Towards in situ monitoring and assessment of Microplastics in Freshwaters.

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Global production of plastic waste is over 250 million tonnes per year. Out of the total plastic waste production only 9% of plastic is recycled. The remaining fraction, ending up in the ecosystem, where they break down into micro and nano plastic particles. The microplastics are categorized into two; primary and secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics are plastics used in toothpaste, abrasives, and cosmetics, are produced in small quantities. However, secondary microplastics are those that are reduced to microscopic sizes due to the action of physical forces (such as rain, wind, or waves), chemical forces (such as ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, temperature, or corrosion), or biological forces (such as decomposition) (e.g., microorganisms).Detection, identification, and quantification of these micro and nano plastics is of utmost importance. This is to support the understanding of impact and to find solutions to manage the scale of the problem. Therefore, the prime focus of this study is to develop a biosensor platform towards detection of microplastics in complex environmental samples (e.g., soil samples, freshwater samples etc.). Electrochemical sensors have been used for low cost, portable measurements in complex samples e.g. for blood glucose measurement (<£0.2 per test). Their potential for micro and nano plastic detection and measurement is however still untapped.This PhD aims to create a proof of principle technology towards benchtop and portable devices that will enable in situ detection of MNPs in freshwater samples. The project has the following objectives:1. Produce a microfluidic sample handling system to achieve size-based enrichment of microplastic particles from a complex environmental water sample (e.g., wastewater, river water).2. Develop peptide-labelled enzymes as highly specific affinity labels for in situ detection of MNPs.3. Create a portable and cost-effective electrochemical sensor for real-time MNPs quantification using electrochemical techniques.