0
Systematic Review Tier 1 Marine & Wildlife Policy & Risk Sign in to save

Exploring the Potential of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles for Microplastic Detection in Marine Environments: A Systematic Review

AI summary Read the abstract

This systematic review explores how autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) could be used to detect microplastics in the ocean in real time, replacing slower traditional sampling methods. While promising, the technology is still developing and faces challenges with sensor accuracy and deep-water operation. Better detection tools like these could help scientists understand how widespread microplastic contamination really is in marine environments.

Study Type Review

AUVs offer the potential for in situ MP detection at constant, pre-set depths in marine environments. By carrying onboard MP detectors, AUVs can serve as alternatives to traditional methods of sample collection, processing, and analysis, while also addressing the inefficiencies and complexities associated with conventional detection procedures. This study conducts a comprehensive review of existing and potential MP detection methods that can be integrated with AUVs for in situ detection. In particular, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, this review analyzes selected studies on MP detection using AUVs. It finds that real-time, in situ MP detection via AUVs or multi-AUV systems remains underdeveloped. Key challenges include deep-sea communication, sensor integration, and underwater durability. The review highlights the current advances, research gaps, and future directions for AUV-based MP detection technologies.

More Papers Like This

Systematic Review Tier 1

Exploring the Potential of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles for Microplastic Detection in Marine Environments: A Review

AI summary Read the abstract

This review explores how autonomous underwater vehicles equipped with sensors could detect microplastics directly in the ocean, rather than relying on labor-intensive water sampling. Current detection methods are slow and expensive, making real-time monitoring difficult. Advances in onboard sensing technology could dramatically improve our understanding of where microplastics concentrate in marine environments.

Review Tier 2

A Review of Recent Advances in Microplastic Research and ROVs to Aid the Development of an Integrated Solution for Microplastic Pollution

AI summary Read the abstract

This review examines recent advances in microplastic detection and filtration research alongside remotely operated vehicle (ROV) technology, with the goal of developing integrated solutions for microplastic pollution in aquatic environments. Researchers found that combining advanced detection methods with underwater robotic platforms offers a promising pathway for real-world microplastic monitoring and removal, particularly in deep or inaccessible marine and freshwater systems.

Article Tier 2

Improvement and Empirical Testing of a Novel Autonomous Microplastics-Collecting Semisubmersible

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers improved an autonomous microplastic-collecting robot, testing design modifications that enhanced sampling efficiency and navigation in surface water environments, moving toward practical automated monitoring of plastic pollution.

Review Tier 2

In-situ detection of microplastics in the aquatic environment: A systematic literature review

AI summary Read the abstract

This systematic review evaluates emerging technologies for detecting microplastics directly in water environments without needing to collect samples and bring them to a lab. Developing reliable in-situ detection methods is important because current lab-based approaches are slow and expensive, making it difficult to track where microplastics are concentrated in the water systems that supply drinking water and seafood.

Research digests by email

When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.

Email me about

Share this paper