The overarching goal of this project is to provide a low-cost technology for monitoring and removing microplastics in the marine environment

Microplastics, including microbeads, fragments, and microfibers are defined as marine debris smaller than 5 MM in size. Microplastics have been reported everywhere around the world, from wastewater, marine environment, and freshwater bodies, to drinking water. These plastic particles can even be found in the arctic region where there is little human activity. Moreover, the ingestion of microplastics by aquatic organisms has been documented in field studies. Water pollution due to microplastics is a top emerging concern for ecological and human health in water systems. In response to NOAA marine debris challenge competition, the university of alabama, the university of connecticut, coastal carolina university, mississippi state university, MS-AL sea grant and south carolina sea grant consortium propose to create a low-fidelity product of the portable, cost-effective integrated system of microplastic filter and sensor that real-time monitor, capture and remove micro and nano plastics in water stream, coastal rivers and other waterbodies. There are three main activities that will be performed in this project. First, we will refine microplastic sensors and filtration technologies that can be adapted for different applications. Second, we will validate the sensor application for field use and develop software for data visualization. Finally, we will engage with potential user groups to conduct high-impact research and operations in marine microplastic removal. Combining these novel sensor and filter devices will enable the holistic operation of capture, removal, and monitoring of targeted micro and nanoplastics from stream water and water resources recovery facilities to the gulf river and oceanic environment, positively impacting a great deal of local and coastal communities. The expected outcomes are (1) the development of enabling technologies for reducing microplastic contamination, which will provide cost-saving and efficiency gains for stakeholders, and (2) the establishment of a consortium to promote public awareness of microplastic and provide evidence for policy and decision-making. The beneficiaries include the general public, academic researchers, scientists in federal agencies, oyster farmers, and wastewater treatment facilities.