Low-Cost 3D AI-Powered Microplastic Detection and Analysis
MP3D
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Scientific community
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#SDGAction58083
Description
As a member of the UNEP's Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter, The goal of MP3D is to make microplastic research more accurate, accessible, and affordable. Our initiative focuses on developing and deploying a low-cost, AI-powered system that enables researchers to analyze microplastics in three dimensions. By combining simple hardware with advanced computational techniques, MP3D provides a practical alternative to expensive and limited traditional methods.
Ultimately, MP3D aims to support better decision-making, stronger environmental policies, and more effective solutions to plastic pollution worldwide. By 2027, the MP3D initiative aims to deliver the following measurable outcomes:
Deploy 1,000+ Low-Cost Devices Globally: We will distribute over 1,000 open-source 3D microplastic analysis units to research institutions, NGOs, and citizen science initiatives—particularly in regions with limited access to advanced lab infrastructure.
Establish a Global Open Microplastic Dataset: Through our deployments, we will contribute to the creation of a globally accessible dataset of 3D microplastic data, allowing researchers to compare samples across ecosystems and track pollution patterns over time.
Enable 10x Reduction in Analysis Costs: Compared to traditional spectroscopy methods, MP3D will reduce the cost of microplastic analysis by at least 90%, dramatically lowering barriers to entry for environmental monitoring.
Support 100+ Research and Policy Projects: MP3D tools will be integrated into academic and applied research projects worldwide, helping inform environmental regulations, public health studies, and cleanup efforts.
The MP3D initiative is carried out through a hands-on, iterative approach that combines low-cost engineering, machine learning, and field-based environmental science.
We have developed and refined MP3D—a system that integrates hardware and software for 3D microplastic analysis. The system includes an Arduino-controlled microscope that captures images of water samples from different focal depths and angles. A few-shot machine learning model (based on Ren et al.) processes the images to identify microplastics. These observations are then used to reconstruct a 3D model of each particle, simulating how a human might understand the shape and structure of an object by viewing it from multiple perspectives.
We’ve conducted field sampling in the River Itchen (UK) throughout the project to test the system in real-world conditions. A major focus has been on minimizing cost—both in terms of components and computing requirements—so that the system remains accessible for researchers in under-resourced settings.
Our methodology has been shared and refined through engagement with experts from institutions including the Turing Institute, Princeton, and Harvard, and presented at top-tier venues such as the European Conference on Computer Vision (ECCV) and the European Conference on Artificial Intelligence (ECAI).
We are now preparing for wide deployment, beginning with partnerships in South-East UK, where MP3D will support field-based research and microplastic monitoring.
The MP3D initiative prioritizes the empowerment of local communities, researchers, and institutions by providing the tools and knowledge necessary to utilize and further develop our technology.
To ensure broad adoption and effective use of MP3D, we are committed to building local capacity through hands-on training and educational resources. We partner with universities, NGOs, and research organizations to offer workshops and webinars that teach users how to assemble and operate MP3D systems, as well as analyze microplastic data. Additionally, we provide clear documentation, video tutorials, and user support forums to help users at all skill levels navigate the technology.
MP3D’s core hardware and software are open-source, ensuring that any organization can freely access, adapt, and scale the system according to local needs. By releasing the designs and code publicly, we enable technology transfer without the need for expensive licenses or restrictions. We also collaborate with international partners to facilitate the adaptation of MP3D for specific regional contexts, particularly in areas affected by high levels of microplastic pollution.
Furthermore, our ongoing collaboration with environmental researchers in the UK and beyond will help fine-tune the technology, which can then be shared with global partners for broader implementation. This collaboration supports knowledge exchange and ensures that the technology remains relevant and adaptable to diverse environmental challenges.
MP3D is built around an open-source and open-access approach. All of our hardware designs, software tools, and analysis methods are shared publicly so that anyone—researchers, educators, NGOs, or community scientists—can use, modify, and improve them. This helps keep the project transparent, collaborative, and adaptable to different needs and contexts.
The project is managed by a small core team that coordinates development, tests new features, and keeps the system reliable and easy to use. We also work closely with partners in research and environmental organizations to guide how MP3D is deployed and improved over time.
To support knowledge sharing, we publish our findings in open-access journals and preprint servers, so others can learn from our work without paywalls or access barriers. We also provide clear documentation, training materials, and ways for contributors to give feedback or help build new features.
The effectiveness of the MP3D initiative will be assessed through a comprehensive evaluation framework that includes both qualitative and quantitative measures. This framework is designed to ensure that the project meets its goals of providing accessible, affordable, and accurate microplastic analysis tools.
1. Performance Metrics:
Accuracy of Detection: We will evaluate the accuracy of MP3D’s microplastic identification system through direct comparison with traditional methods (e.g., spectroscopy) and validated field samples. We will measure the system's ability to correctly identify microplastic particles of various sizes, shapes, and materials.
System Reliability: Regular testing in different environmental settings will measure the system’s reliability in field conditions. This includes tracking performance in terms of uptime, error rates, and robustness in diverse environments (e.g., different water bodies, climates).
2. User Feedback:
Surveys and Interviews: We will conduct surveys and interviews with users from partner institutions, research teams, and local communities to gather feedback on the ease of use, functionality, and impact of MP3D. This will help us understand how the technology is being applied and identify areas for improvement.
Training Effectiveness: We will evaluate the effectiveness of training sessions by tracking user competency before and after workshops, ensuring that participants are able to successfully use the technology and understand its applications.
3. Impact Assessment:
Data Sharing and Adoption: The adoption rate of MP3D and the extent of data shared globally will be a key metric. This will include tracking the number of active users, deployments, and contributions to the open-source platform. The goal is to facilitate broad use and continuous improvement through community involvement.
Environmental Impact: The real-world impact on microplastic pollution monitoring will be assessed by tracking the collection of data in various regions, particularly those facing high levels of microplastic pollution. The availability and quality of this data will inform decisions on policy and environmental management.
UNEP Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter,, International Conference on Pattern Recognition on Artificial Intelligence, European Conference on Computer Vision, European Conference on Artificial Intelligence
SDGS & Targets
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1.1
(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density
14.2
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.2.1
Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas
14.3
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3.1
14.4
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
14.4.1
14.5
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.5.1
14.6
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
14.6.1
Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
14.7
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
14.7.1
Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries
14.a
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.a.1
14.b
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.b.1
Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries
14.c
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"
14.c.1
Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
SDG 14 targets covered
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 14.1 | By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution |
| 14.2 | By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans |
| 14.4 | By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics |
| 14.5 | By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information |
| 14.7 | By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism |
| 14.a | Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries |
| 14.c | Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want" |
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Other beneficiaries
Researchers and Scientists, Environmental Researchers, Academic Institutions, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Environmental NGOs, Community Organizations, Local Governments, International Bodies, Waste Management and Recycling Companies, Consumer Goods Companies, Educational Institutions, Students and Educators, STEM Outreach Programs, At-Risk Communities, Global Citizens, Open-Source Community, Developers and Innovators.