Plastics challenge — In-situ sensing technology for monitoring microplastics in the marine environment

The program will fund projects that proposed solution for monitoring microplastics in the marine environment:

1. differentiate plastics from other polymers, or particulate organic/inorganic matters;
2. be capable of providing plastic concentration throughout water column;
3. facilitate concurrent measurement and geolocation;
4. be capable of sensing microplastics in cold water environments, including ice-covered waters;
5. be capable of sensing microplastics in water temperatures up to 30°C (86°F);
6. be able to work with both internal (built-in) and external battery;
7. have an scalable software for real-time monitoring and post-processing of the data;
8. have ability to resist and operate in in water environments with salinities of up to 40 ppt; and
9. have the ability to transfer data with ease (i.e. via telecommunications, Bluetooth).

In addition, the proposed solution should:

1. characterize microplastic particles size, distribution and density;
2. identify and characterize other particulate organic/inorganic matters; and
3. have ability to resist/operate despite biofouling.