Innovative Detection and Identification of Microfibres

The aim and purpose of this work is to develop a rapid method for sampling and identification of microfibres, including microplastics. Current methods for sampling and identification of microfibres and microplastics are often complicated and time-consuming and require significant resources and expensive equipment. The MicroTrack system provides a fast, robust method for sampling and identifying microfibres and microplastics in various media such as air, drinking water, surface water, and seawater, overcoming the limitations of conventional, resource-intensive techniques. The system uses a special sampling disc with membrane filters adapted to the respective medium, as well as sampling devices: SDW01 for water supply networks, SDAIR02 for air and SDSW03 for marine environments, including the use of underwater drones for depth-dependent sampling. The collected samples are analysed using artificial intelligence algorithms that classify and quantify microplastics based on their morphology and colour with ever-increasing accuracy. So far, more than 4000 samples have been analysed, contributing to a growing database and achieving greater accuracy. The MicroTrack method provides a reliable framework for environmental monitoring and future research by supporting both qualitative and quantitative assessments of microparticle pollution and contributing to wider studies on marine biodiversity and environmental health.