journal article·2025-04-25Open access

A Portable Optical Sensor for Microplastic Detection: Development and Calibration

Maximiliano Campos-López, Ricardo Aguilar-Garay, Dafne E. González-Rodriguez, Verónica I. Mejía-Lopez, Margoth M. Gamboa-Lugo, Vicente Garibay-Febles, Marco A. Reyes-Guzmán, Álvaro Gordillo-Sol, Jorge A. Mendoza-Pérez

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 9

Abstract

Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment and represent a serious risk to ecosystems and human health. This study describes a prototype sensor designed to detect microplastics by analyzing samples with multiple wavelengths of light. The system uses samples of commercially available microplastics and includes passive low-pass filters to reduce noise for accurate readings. The prototype measures light attenuation and produces color spectra that helps identify microplastics. Its design focuses on precision, electronic control, and optical sensing, making it an affordable option for environmental monitoring. Early experiments demonstrate that the prototype is sensitive and reliable under a variety of conditions. Future improvements may add machine learning and fuzzy logic to increase accuracy and expand its use.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution · Recycling and Waste Management Techniques · biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Laboratory of Clean Technologies, Development of Environmental Processes and Green Engineering, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07320, Mexico

Faculty of Chemical-Biological Sciences, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Av. Las Américas S/N, Culiacán 80000, Sinaloa, Mexico

Instituto Mexicano del Petróleo, Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas Norte 152, Gustavo A. Madero, Mexico City 07730, Mexico

Basic Sciences Academy, Unidad Profesional Interdisciplinaria en Ingeniería y Tecnologías Avanzadas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Avenida Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2580, La Laguna Ticomán, Gustavo A. Madero, Mexico City 07340, Mexico

Funding

Secretaría de Ciencia, Humanidades, Tecnología e Innovación (SECIHTI), before named Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías (CONAHCyT) · Instituto Politécnico Nacional-Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas (IPN-ENCB) · Research and Graduate Secretary (SIP) project · The doctoral scholarship

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