Challenge Question
How can we better detect microplastics in situ in marine environments?
Project Source: Buy and Sell
Project Summary
The goal of this project is to develop an innovative technology that can measure the characteristics and distribution of microplastic particles in open water settings (coastal waters, estuaries, lakes, rivers). The technology must be capable of deployment to monitor/detect microplastics over scales ranging from tens of meters (rivers) to hundreds of kilometers (open ocean). The outcome of this challenge will support National Research Council Canada (NRC) strategic research goals related to improved water quality management and reduce and mitigate the environmental impact of plastics in waterways. The student team will propose a solution that differentiates plastics from other polymers or particulate organic/inorganic matters, provides plastic concentration throughout water column, facilitates concurrent measurement and geolocation, senses microplastics in cold water environments and in water temperatures up to 30°C, works with both internal (built-in) and external battery, has scalable software for real-time monitoring and post-processing of the data, can resist and operate in water environments with salinities of up to 40 ppt, and can transfer data with ease (i.e. via telecommunications, Bluetooth). Students interested in this project might have disciplinary backgrounds in mechanical, electrical, and/or computer engineering; environmental science; and marine biology. This challenge originated from the Buyandsell.gc.ca website, and team members will be working with a York University mentor rather than a mentor from the organization.
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Organizational Profile
Buyandsell.gc.ca is a service of Public Works and Government Services Canada that helps Government of Canada procurement specialists, government buyers and materiel managers, and Canadian businesses that want to supply goods and services to the government. Conceived by businesses and procurement professionals to make government procurement easier, Buyandsell.gc.ca offers one location to find simple but authoritative answers to everyday questions about how to buy and sell for the federal government. By accessing open procurement and contracting data, Buyandsell.gc.ca helps businesses and government buyers focus less on figuring out how to do business and more on doing business.
Partner Website
Learn more about the kind of work the project partner does by browsing their website.
Key Words
- Microplastics
- Marine Life
- Sustainability