Improving the detection of the plastic polluting our seas and oceans
A team of Belgian scientists has developed a faster and cheaper way to detect the plastic microparticles polluting the world's waters.
Detecting the quantity and nature of fine plastic particles affecting all life forms in the seas and oceans is an essential prerequisite for effectively combating this type of pollution. In this context, scientists working within a Belgian team involving Ghent University and agencies from the Flemish region in charge of the sea (VLIZ) and fisheries (ILVO) have just developed a new and very effective technique.
Until now, the detection of microscopic plastic particles in water has been very labour intensive and fairly expensive. This new method should allow researchers around the world to detect them much more quickly and effectively because the analyses can be done semi-automatically using artificial intelligence.
In practical terms, the analysis is based on recognition algorithms associated with colour codes that appear in fluorescence in water samples observed under the microscope. An analysis that used to take nearly a day to complete can now be done in less than an hour.
Knowing the density, size and type of the polymers present allows us to better determine the causes of pollution in the seas and oceans. This improved mapping of the forms of pollution will make it easier to fight them effectively.
This is a real step forward in the fight against the plastic pollution that is threatening life in our seas and oceans.