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In-situ and real-time detection of micro/nanoplastics in water: Combining laboratory experiments and modelling studies for plastic life cycle analysis
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Researchers developed a nano-digital inline holographic microscope for real-time in-situ detection of micro- and nanoplastics in freshwater, combining laboratory experiments with modeling to analyze physicochemical characteristics and dynamic behaviors of MPs relevant to plastic life cycle analysis, addressing the 85% research gap between freshwater and marine MP studies.
Maritime micro/nanoplastic research provides valuable insights into oceanic plastic waste remediation. Yet, there is a notable disparity, with micro/nanoplastic research in freshwater being ~ 85% less extensive than that in seawater. Observational studies suggest that over 1000 rivers contribute to ~ 80% of the global riverine plastic input into the oceans. Understanding the presence of micro/nanoplastics in freshwater systems is essential for unraveling the global micro/nanoplastic cycle.In our laboratory, a cutting-edge nano-digital inline holographic microscope (nano-DIHM) was developed for real-time and in-situ micro- and nanoplastic research, including physicochemical characteristics, coatings, and dynamic behaviours in freshwater systems. The nano-DIHM data revealed distinct intensity and optical phase patterns of various types of single particles and clusters of micro/nanoplastics (PE, PP, PS, PET, PVC, and PUR), along with other organics (oleic acid), inorganics (magnetite), and biological materials (phytoplankton). We further incorporated a deep neural network functionality to nano-DIHM for rapid micro/nanoplastic detection in real-environmental waters. With its 4D (3D + time) tracking capability, we utilized nano-DIHM to measure the sedimentation (settling and floating) velocity of plastics in two size categories in water. The experimental results were subsequently integrated into a numerical model (CaMPSim-3D) developed at the National Research Council Canada to simulate the transport of plastic particles in Canadian rivers. Complementary modelling results demonstrated distinct distribution and accumulation patterns of macro-, micro-, and nanoplastic particles in aquatic systems, establishing nano-DIHM a powerful approach for plastic life-cycle analysis.
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