Gulf Coast Center for Addressing Microplastics Pollution (GC - CAMP)

Gulf Coast - Center for Addressing Microplastics Pollution (GC - CAMP)

Understanding, Mitigation and Prevention of Waste Plastic Marine Debris in the Gulf Coast

GC-CAMP Mission:

The Gulf-Coast – Center for Addressing Microplastics Pollution (GC-CAMP) is dedicated to being a pioneering center at the University of South Alabama, spearheading advancements in the field of identifying and managing waste plastic marine debris along the Gulf Coast. Our primary goal is to catalyze a paradigm shift in research, focusing on the development of innovative techniques and tools to effectively mitigate and prevent the presence of microplastics in wastewater treatment facilities and water bodies in the Gulf of America. Together, with a shared commitment to excellence, GC-CAMP will lead the way in confronting the challenges posed by microplastics, making a positive and lasting impact on the Gulf Coast and beyond.

Navigating the Current Challenges: Understanding and Addressing the Present Scenario

Potential Issues

Microplastics < 5 mm; nanoplastics too small to be seen; Abundance in many products; More than 60% of microplastics in soil will eventually migrate into the river (Nizzetto et al., 2016)

Major sources of microplastics and nanoplastics that enter into the marine environment. (Wong et al. 2020)

Microplastics were found in human’s thrombus. (Wu et al. 2022)

Current Data Gap:

The microplastic density map, adapted from the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), reveals a significant data gap in the Gulf of America region, particularly in Mississippi and Alabama. This lack of microplastics data hampers the ability of community stakeholders and decision-makers to fully comprehend the current and future localized risks.

Microplastic density map (adapted from NCEI, 2022)

A Comprehensive Five-Pronged Approach: Our Key Strategies

Sampling and monitoring locations in the Gulf Coast area.

I. Understanding Through Sampling

Gaining a understanding of the existing microplastics and nanoplastics pollution in the Gulf Coast is of utmost importance as it establishes a vital benchmark for future monitoring efforts. We select ten specific locations for regular monitoring of microplastic concentrations. These chosen sites are in close proximity to wastewater treatment plants, including the Harrison County Utility Authority in Mississippi, Dauphin Island Water and Sewer in Alabama, and Dauphin Island Emerald Coast Utilities Authority in Florida.

II. Wastewater Treatment Facility

Wastewater will be collected from locations marked with the symbol (X) for microplastics and nanoplastics identification. The figure shows where the pilot-scale microplastics and nanoplastics filtration. The filtration system will receive secondary treated effluent as a side stream.

Schematic showing the different stages at a typical wastewater treatment plant.

Illustration of the proposed metrology technology for microplastics debris in water.

III. Sensor Technology

A sensing device will integrate a hyperspectral camera, a binocular camera, and a flow control system. The captured videos and the flow rate will be automatically analyzed by the data analysis program to identify, classify, characterize, and quantify microplastics debris based on advanced deep learning approaches.

IV. Monitoring System

The Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled microplastics monitoring system contains sensor nodes, an energy harvest system, and data collection and storage (i.e., a data center or cloud). In addition, an user friendly app and website will be developed that can incorporate the real-time microplastics and nanoplastics data. The app and website will be maintained regularly by the research team to provide the latest data for an early warning system for the onset of harmful accumulation of microplastics.

Internet of Things (IoT)-Enabled microplastics monitoring system.

Collaboration model to engage all parties to promote education in marine debris and outreach.

V. Education and Outreach

GC-CAMP adopts a collaborative model that engages all parties to promote education in microplastics and nanoplastics marine debris, which is to integrate “Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, and Rethink” of marine debris into outreach activities. We will host workshops and seminars at the University of South Alabama to disseminate results, promote information exchange, and discuss microplastics reduction and prevention. Stay tuned!

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