Nanocatcher: Spatial sampling of micro(nano)plastics using underwater drones equipped with a membrane filtering system

Nano and micro polymeric particles (NMPs) are a point of concern by environmentalists and toxicologist for the past years. Their presence has been detected in many environmental bodies and even in more recently human blood as well. One of the most common paths these particles take to enter living organisms is via water consumption. However, despite the efforts of different academic and other knowledge groups, there is no consensus about standards methods which can be used to qualifying and quantifying these particles, especially the submicrometric ones. Many different techniques have been proposed like field flow fractionation (FFF) followed by multi angle laser scattering (MALS), pyrolysis-GC and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the sampling collection and preparation is also considered a difficult step, as such particles are mostly present in very low concentration. Nanocatcher proposes the use of submerged drones as a sampling collection tool to monitor the presence of submicrometric polymeric particles in water bodies. The sample collections will be done using special membrane systems specially designed for the drone. After collected, the samples will be analysed using FFF+MALS, SEM and Py-GC. If proven successful, the use of submerged drones can strongly facilitate sampling and mapping of submicrometric polymeric particles in water bodies and will provide an extensive and comprehensive map of the presence of these particles in such environment.

Nano- and microplastics (NMPs) are a growing environmental concern due to their widespread presence in
aquatic ecosystems. Developing and standardizing analytical methods for NMP detection is essential, but
challenges remain, especially in the sampling process. Large water volumes are required for representative
sampling, leading to logistical difficulties in transport and processing.
This project explores a novel approach using an aquatic drone equipped with an ultrafiltration device to sample
NMPs in water bodies. This system enables precise sampling at different depths and locations within the water
column while concentrating samples in-situ, significantly reducing the volume that needs to be transported to
the laboratory.
The approach was tested in collaboration with Indymo in the Vallei canal, where 140 L of water were collected
and concentrated to 20 L on-site, minimizing transport challenges. Preliminary analysis indicated the presence
of polypropylene (PP) in one subsample, though further verification is required to confirm concentration levels
and rule out contamination.
While the method shows promise, further optimization is needed in contamination control, automation, and
throughput to enhance reliability and efficiency. Despite these challenges, this technology provides Indymo
with a new tool for monitoring NMP pollution in aquatic environments, contributing to improved environmental
assessment and management strategies.