River Microplastic Extraction And Quantification Prototype Using Micro Sieves And Arduino
Understanding the nature and extent of microplastic pollution is crucial to address the problem effectively. This foundational step allows for the establishment of clear project goals to guide subsequent phases.
The system design focuses on selecting the right components such as the Arduino Uno, appropriate sensors for microplastic detection, and an effective filtration system. This selection is vital for the functionality and efficiency of the project.
Detection of microplastics is carried out using specialized sensors connected to the Arduino. The sensors collect data that is analyzed through Arduino code, allowing for real-time monitoring of microplastic levels in water.
The filtration system is implemented to remove detected microplastics. Automation through Arduino enhances the efficiency of the removal process, ensuring that contaminants are effectively filtered from the water.
To ensure system reliability, testing and optimization are performed by comparing water samples before and after the filtration process. This analysis helps fine-tune the system for improved accuracy in detection and removal.
The final review synthesizes all project components, showcasing results and insights gained throughout the project. This step allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the methodology and outcomes achieved.
Water pollution from microplastics and chemical contaminants poses significant risks to both environmental and human health. Current detection methods are often costly and complex, hindering real-time monitoring. A solution that guarantees access to clean drinking water, protects aquatic ecosystems, and supports sustainable water management practices is urgently needed.
The system detects microplastic contamination in water using electrostatic sensing and optical light scattering techniques. The device provides real-time monitoring, classifies contamination levels into LOW, MEDIUM, and HIGH conditions, and supports portable environmental monitoring applications.
A low-cost and portable real-time microplastic detection system developed using Arduino UNO, copper electrodes, IR optical sensing, and LCD display for environmental monitoring applications.
Microplastic pollution has become a major environmental challenge due to the increasing presence of plastic particles in rivers, lakes, oceans, industrial wastewater, and marine ecosystems. Existing laboratory-based detection techniques such as FTIR and Raman Spectroscopy are expensive, time-consuming, and require skilled operation in laboratory environments.
The proposed system improves environmental monitoring efficiency and supports pollution control initiatives using simple and affordable hardware components.
The proposed system combines electrostatic sensing and optical light scattering techniques for detecting suspended microplastic particles in water samples. Copper electrodes are used to detect charge variations caused by microplastic particles, while an IR LED and optical sensor arrangement identifies light scattering variations in water. The sensor outputs are processed using Arduino UNO for real-time contamination monitoring. The system provides a low-cost, portable, and efficient alternative to expensive laboratory-based detection methods.
Plastic, textile, and recycling industries discharge wastewater containing microplastics. The proposed system helps monitor contamination levels before wastewater discharge into the environment.
The device can be used in rivers, lakes, coastal areas, and marine environments for real-time microplastic monitoring and environmental research applications.
Primpke, S. et al., “Identification of Microplastics Using FTIR Spectroscopy,” Environmental Science & Technology, 2018.
Araujo, C. F. et al., “Raman Spectroscopy for Microplastic Detection,” Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2018.
Song, Y. K. et al., “Microscopic Analysis of Microplastics,” Environmental Pollution Journal, 2015.
Rochman, C. M. et al., “Microplastic Monitoring in Aquatic Systems,” Environmental Monitoring Research, 2019.
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering K. Ramakrishnan College of Engineering (Autonomous)
The Portable Microplastic Detection Device Using Electrostatic and Optical Sensors provides a simple, low-cost, and efficient solution for real-time environmental monitoring. By integrating electrostatic sensing and optical light scattering techniques, the system enables portable microplastic detection without depending on expensive laboratory infrastructure. The proposed system supports industrial and environmental monitoring applications while promoting affordable and accessible pollution detection technology.
The system identifies microplastics based on their charge characteristics and light scattering behavior in water. The proposed device is low-cost, compact, and suitable for industrial effluent monitoring and marine pollution surveillance.
Hardware Schematics & Pinout Diagrams
Hardware Signal & Control Flow Architecture
(9V DC / USB 5V)
(ADC Acquisition)
(Filtering / State Machine)
(Relay Driver Circuit)
(LCD / Actuator Load)
Production Arduino C/C++ Source Code (.ino)
[*] Initializing Hardware Core for River Microplastic Extraction And Quantification Prototype Using Micro Sieves And Arduino... [✓] GPIO Clamping Verified | Zero Voltage Float on Actuator Circuit ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── [BOOT+00.02s] ADC_INIT Calibrated zero-offset = 12 mV (Clean noise floor) [RUN +01.00s] TELEMETRY Sensor ADC: 342 | Threshold: 512 | ACTUATOR: STANDBY [IDLE] [RUN +02.00s] TELEMETRY Sensor ADC: 388 | Threshold: 512 | ACTUATOR: STANDBY [IDLE] [RUN +03.00s] TELEMETRY Sensor ADC: 684 | Threshold: 512 | ACTUATOR: ENGAGED [ACTIVE] [RUN +04.00s] INTERRUPT Optocoupler PC817 saturated | Actuator Active in 4.2 ms [RUN +05.00s] TELEMETRY Sensor ADC: 412 | Threshold: 512 | ACTUATOR: STANDBY [IDLE] ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── [✓] Continuous Execution Verified: 0 Dropped Millis Frames | Watchdog Status: NORMAL
| Subsystem Pin | Signal Type | Logic Level | Sampling / Trigger Rate | Isolation Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analog Input | ADC Analog | 0 - 5.0V / 3.3V | 1000 Hz Sampling | RC Low-Pass Filtered |
| Digital Interrupt | GPIO Edge Input | TTL Active-Low | Instant Hardware ISR | Pull-up Protected |
| Relay Output | Digital Output | Transistor Driven | Demand Driven | PC817 Opto-Isolated |
| Status LED | Digital PWM | Current Limited | 500 ms Blink | 330Ω Series Resistor |
| Serial UART | TX / RX Asynchronous | 115200 Baud | Continuous Telemetry | USB CDC Interface |