AI Microplastics Detection

AI-powered sensors in Malta identify and classify microplastics with global scientific value.

About Microplastics

What Are They?

Tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size that result from the breakdown of larger plastic debris in marine environments.

Environmental Impact

Microplastics contaminate marine food chains, affecting marine life health and potentially human health through seafood consumption.

Detection Challenges

Traditional detection methods are time-consuming and expensive, making large-scale monitoring difficult for researchers and conservationists.

AI Solutions

Advanced AI and machine learning technologies can automate detection, enabling faster and more accurate monitoring of microplastic pollution.

Problem Statement

Challenge

Microplastics pollution in marine environments has reached critical levels, with particles smaller than 5mm contaminating ocean ecosystems worldwide. Traditional detection methods are time-consuming, expensive, and often inaccurate.

Impact

Microplastics affect marine life through ingestion and bioaccumulation, disrupting food chains and potentially entering human food systems. Current estimates suggest over 5 trillion plastic pieces are floating in our oceans.

Solution

Our AI-powered sensor network provides real-time, automated detection and classification of microplastics, enabling continuous monitoring and data collection for scientific research and policy development.

Project Locations

Maltese Coastal Research Sites

Coordinates: 35.8989°, 14.5146°

Key locations for assessing microplastic pollution on sandy beaches in the Maltese islands, highlighting their ecological importance and vulnerability to plastic contamination