An ultrasonic benchtop sensor for near real-time microplastic identification and characterization

Applied Ocean Sciences, LLC (USA) and partners are developing the first near real-time sensor for detecting microplastics between 1 and 20 microns in water. This ultrasound-based sensor will significantly improve current methods of microplastic detection, making the process faster and cheaper compared to FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The UltraPlastics Sensor (US patent pending) uses multiple acoustical processes like backscatter, reflection, through transmission, attenuation, and resonance to detect bulk microplastic abundance. As ultrasound travels through water, it interacts with particles by scattering, resonating, absorbing energy at specific frequencies, and affecting the fluid's attenuation. These interactions allow for the direct detection of microplastic concentration and composition. Trials show that different plastics and biomass produce distinct signals, and the sensor can differentiate between microfiber fragments and microspheres. This makes it an affordable yet highly sensitive measurement for microplastics under 20 microns—those most harmful to human and ecosystem health but hardest to measure with traditional optical methods. Some of the first prototypes will be tested with water treatment centers in California, the first state to mandate microplastic monitoring in drinking water. The sensor will provide a near real-time bulk measurement of microplastics, with flagged samples available for detailed spectral analysis as needed.

Presentation Preference: Oral

Primary Presenter: Christopher Verlinden, Applied Ocean Sciences (cmaverlinden@gmail.com)

Authors:

Jenni Brandon, Independent  (jennibrandon24@gmail.com)

Eeshan Bhatt, Applied Ocean Sciences  (Eeshan.Bhatt@appliedoceansciences.com)

James Murray, Applied Ocean Sciences  (James.Murrary@AppliedOceanSciences.com)

Katie Verlinden, Applied Ocean Sciences  (Katie.verlinden@appliedoceansciences.com)

Ted Argo, Applied Research Associates  (targo@ara.com)

Dimitri Deheyn, Biomimicry for Emerging Science and Technology  (ddeheyn@gmail.com)

Chris Verlinden, Applied Ocean Sciences  (chris.verlinden@appliedoceansciences.com)