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Machine learning enhanced machine vision system for micro-plastics particles classification
Summary
Researchers developed a machine learning-based classification system using fluorescence microscopy with Nile Red staining to identify and categorize microplastic types in environmental samples, aiming to provide a faster and more automated alternative to labor-intensive manual identification methods.
Microplastics are pervasive in oceans, freshwater and soil and its pollution has emerged as a critical environmental issue. They are hazardous to wildlife and human health by entering food chains and acting as carriers for toxins. Detecting and identifying them in environmental samples remains challenging due to their extremely small size and labour-intensive nature of current methods. There is a need for faster, automated microplastic analysis by developing a machine learning-led classification tool using fluorescence microscopy with Nile Red. Nile Red staining enables the different MPs to fluoresce distinct colours, allowing visual differentiation.