AI-powered tech instantly detects nanoplastics in water
Marie Donlon | July 08, 2024McGill’s artificial-intelligence (AI)-assisted, nano digital in-line holographic microscopy dubbed "AI-Assisted Nano-DIHM," reportedly offers real-time analysis of plastic pollution, differentiating between microplastic pieces, which are between 1 μm and 5 mm, and nanoplastics at just 0.000001 mm.
Graphical abstract. Source: Environmental Science & Technology (2024). DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10408
"Our research has demonstrated that the AI-Assisted Nano-DIHM can automatically detect and differentiate nanoplastics and microplastics, even when they are coated in other particles, providing a comprehensive understanding of plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems," the researchers explained.
The team suggests that this technology promises to identify and address pollution "hotspots" more effectively.
An article detailing the technology, "Nanoplastics in water: Artificial intelligence-assisted 4D physicochemical characterization and rapid in situ detection," appears in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.