Smart Microplastic Detection and Water Quality Monitoring System

The issue of microplastics in the environment has become a growing concern, particularly in rivers, lakes, and other water sources. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles and fibres that can enter water bodies through waste disposal, wastewater, and environmental activities. This project presents a low-cost Microplastic Detection and Water Quality Monitoring System using an ESP32 development board, laser module, and Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) sensor. A 12V water pump is used to transfer the water sample through a tube into the detection area. The laser module directs light through the flowing water sample, while the LDR sensor detects variations in light intensity caused by suspended particles. The ESP32 processes the sensor readings and compares them with a predefined threshold to identify significant optical variations. The proposed system demonstrates the integration of optical sensing, water pumping, and embedded technology for preliminary water sample analysis. It provides a simple and affordable approach for educational and experimental applications. However, factors such as turbidity, sediment, air bubbles, and other suspended particles may influence the sensor readings. Therefore, further testing and independent analysis are necessary to confirm the presence of microplastics.