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Development of a low-cost system for sampling microplastics in water
Summary
Researchers developed a low-cost microplastic water sampling system using widely available materials and standard NOAA protocols, then tested it in both marine and freshwater environments along the Santa Catarina coast of Brazil. The system successfully captured microplastics with efficiency comparable to more expensive equipment. Making affordable sampling tools available is important for expanding microplastic monitoring in resource-limited settings.
The microplastics sampling system in water was developed using low cost materials based on the international standard protocol of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with the use of a nylon sampling net fixed to a treated wooden structure and with plastic tubes responsible for buoyancy. . Sampling was carried out in marine and fresh water off the coast of Santa Catarina, using boats as trailers in order to collect samples along the coastline. The developed structure presented excellent performances in terms of stability and robustness during the sampling process. The analysis and characterization of microplastics was carried out according to protocol recommendations using separation sieves. The developed system can be used in environmental monitoring involving the sampling of microplastics in water, in addition to its cost-effectiveness and accessibility for professionals in the area.