A groundbreaking technology developed by a McGill-led research team has the ability to detect and decipher nanoplastics in water in real-time, distinguishing them from other particles within milliseconds. Nanoplastics, which are smaller than microplastic pieces, have been traditionally difficult to detect and study due to their tiny size.
The new technology, called AI-Assisted Nano-DIHM, uses artificial intelligence and nano digital in-line holographic microscopy to automatically detect and differentiate nanoplastics and microplastics, even when they are coated in other particles. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize how we monitor and manage plastic pollution, offering a practical tool for identifying pollution hotspots more effectively.
The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic is dumped into the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes every day. With the development of this new technology, researchers hope to gain a comprehensive understanding of plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems and contribute to the preservation of the environment.
The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, highlights the importance of the AI-Assisted Nano-DIHM technology in addressing the challenges of detecting and studying nanoplastics. Developed in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada, this innovative technology represents a crucial breakthrough in environmental monitoring and management.
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