Real-Time Detection of Microplastics Using an AI Camera

Microplastics (MPs, size ≤ 5 mm) have emerged as a significant worldwide concern, threatening marine and freshwater ecosystems, and the lack of MP detection technologies is notable. The main goal of this research is the development of a camera sensor for the detection of MPs and measuring their size and velocity while in motion. This study introduces a novel methodology involving computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) for the detection of MPs. Three different camera systems, including fixed-focus 2D and autofocus (2D and 3D), were implemented and compared. A YOLOv5-based object detection model was used to detect MPs in the captured image. DeepSORT was then implemented for tracking MPs through consecutive images. In real-time testing in a laboratory flume setting, the precision in MP counting was found to be 97%, and during field testing in a local river, the precision was 96%. This study provides foundational insights into utilizing AI for detecting MPs in different environmental settings, contributing to more effective efforts and strategies for managing and mitigating MP pollution.