Device and method for monitoring micro-plastic deposition rate in mangrove forest area
By designing a monitoring device including a funnel and a rotating motor, the problem of long-term continuous monitoring of the microplastic deposition rate in mangroves has been solved, and efficient and accurate monitoring of the microplastic deposition rate has been achieved. The device is suitable for a variety of habitats, has a simple structure and is easy to clean, making it suitable for large-scale applications.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511234076.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-01
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies make it difficult to achieve long-term continuous monitoring of the microplastic deposition rate in mangroves, and traditional methods fail to effectively consider the resuspension process during microplastic deposition, resulting in low monitoring efficiency and poor accuracy.
A monitoring device was designed, which includes an outer cylinder with an open top, a collection chamber and a funnel. The funnel is lower than the upper edge of the outer cylinder to prevent the re-suspension of microplastics. A piezoelectric ceramic piece is used to emit low-frequency sound waves to shake off the sediment. A rotary motor is used to control the rotation of the collection chamber to achieve monitoring in different time ranges.
It achieves rapid and accurate monitoring of the microplastic deposition rate in mangroves, prevents sediment loss, is applicable to a variety of habitats, has a simple structure and is easy to clean, is suitable for large-scale applications, and can enable long-term continuous monitoring.
Smart Images
Figure CN120741277A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of environmental protection and ecological monitoring, and specifically relates to a device and method for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas. Background Art
[0002] Mangroves are a vital component of coastal wetlands, providing crucial ecological functions such as bank protection and disaster reduction, water purification, and biodiversity maintenance. As a barrier and buffer zone for the ocean, their extensive root systems and branches not only attenuate waves and turbulence but also act as filters to intercept plastic waste in runoff. Plastic waste can be broken down into plastic fragments and microplastics (MPs) through sunlight, weathering, and biological processes. Furthermore, the slow flow of water in mangroves facilitates the sedimentation of organic debris and particulate matter. Furthermore, due to the infiltration of mangrove soils by damp water, the soil has poor aeration and slows the decomposition of organic matter, leading to the accumulation and storage of large amounts of organic matter in the soil. Ultimately, mangrove wetlands become significant sinks for various pollutants. Therefore, clarifying the sedimentation rate and contamination status of microplastics in mangrove ecosystems can provide theoretical support for microplastic pollution control and ecological risk assessment, and provide a scientific basis for the development of ecological health risk assessment models.
[0003] Currently, there are limited methods for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangroves, primarily calculating it by measuring differences in microplastic abundance at regular intervals. This traditional monitoring method, which primarily measures the deposition rate by measuring the abundance of manually sampled microplastics, is inefficient, inaccurate, and difficult to achieve long-term continuous monitoring. Furthermore, this traditional monitoring method fails to account for the resuspension process during microplastic deposition, leading to discrepancies between the calculated deposition rate and the actual deposition rate. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a simple, convenient, widely applicable, and long-term microplastic sedimentation rate monitoring device. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In response to the above problems, the present invention provides a device and method for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas. On the one hand, it is used to solve the problem of microplastic resuspension that is ignored when traditional methods convert deposition rates by differences in microplastic abundance. On the other hand, it provides a method for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas. This method can quickly and accurately monitor the deposition rate of microplastics in mangroves, and at the same time indirectly monitor the resuspension of microplastics in mangrove areas by adding a funnel, and has the advantage of simple operation.
[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: A device for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in a mangrove forest area, comprising an outer cylinder with an open top, a collection chamber 7 and a funnel 3. The collection chamber 7 is open at the top and is located within the outer cylinder. The edge of the funnel 3 is attached to the inner wall of the outer cylinder. The outlet of the funnel 3 is located above the collection chamber 7, and the edge of the funnel 3 is lower than the upper edge of the outer cylinder. The funnel can collect sediment while preventing microplastics from resuspension.
[0006] Preferably, the funnel 3 is a neckless funnel.
[0007] Preferably, a piezoelectric ceramic sheet is fixedly connected to the outside of the funnel 3, and the piezoelectric ceramic sheet is electrically connected to a control system. During monitoring, the piezoelectric ceramic sheet can be controlled to emit low-frequency sound waves at intervals to shake off sediment adhering to the funnel, thereby resolving the problem of mangrove-rich organic matter sediment blocking the funnel outlet.
[0008] Preferably, the outer cylinder is divided into an outer cylinder upper part 2 and an outer cylinder lower part 1. The lower edge of the outer cylinder upper part 2, the upper edge of the outer cylinder lower part 1 and the outer edge of the bucket part of the funnel 3 are all provided with a flange 4. The outer cylinder upper part 2, the funnel 3 and the outer cylinder lower part 1 are connected by the flange 4. The detachable structure makes the device more convenient to set up and clean.
[0009] Preferably, the funnel 3 is an eccentric funnel, and there are n collection bins 7, where n is a positive integer. All of the collection bins 7 are arranged on a rotating tray, and the collection bins 7 are evenly distributed circumferentially around the center of the rotating tray. A rotating motor is connected below the center of the rotating tray, and the rotating motor is electrically connected to a control system. A cover is also horizontally provided between the collection bins 7 and the outlet of the funnel 3, and the cover seals the openings of all the collection bins 7. The cover has a hole corresponding to the collection bin 7 directly below the funnel 3. The rotating tray is controlled by the rotating motor to drive the collection bins to rotate. Within a set time range, only one collection bin 7 can collect settled microplastics, so that the user can understand the sedimentation rate of microplastic particles within different time ranges, thereby achieving the purpose of long-term continuous monitoring.
[0010] Preferably, there are four collecting bins 7 .
[0011] Preferably, the diameter of the outer cylinder is 300 mm, and the height of the outer cylinder is 300-330 mm.
[0012] Preferably, the outer diameter of the flange 4 is 330 mm.
[0013] Preferably, screw holes 5 are provided on the flange 4 .
[0014] A second object of the present invention is to provide a method for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas, comprising: The device for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in the mangrove area is used, and filtered seawater is poured into the device; the device is set in the bottom mud of the monitoring area so that the upper edge of the outer cylinder of the device is flush with the surface of the bottom mud, and the time when the seawater submerges the device is the initial monitoring time; after the monitoring is completed, the deposition rate of microplastics in the monitoring area is calculated based on the amount of microplastics collected in the collection chamber 7 and the total monitoring time.
[0015] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: (1) The funnel structure adopted in the present invention is conducive to the collection of sediments and prevents the loss of microplastics in the sediments through the resuspension process.
[0016] (2) The funnel is lower than the upper edge of the outer cylinder, which can effectively block the horizontal migration of surrounding sediments. Compared with traditional sediment surface sampling, it helps to improve the accuracy of sedimentation rate.
[0017] (3) The bottom of the outer cylinder is closed, which helps protect the deposited sample from the migration behavior of other surrounding substances.
[0018] (4) The device of the present invention can be applied to various habitats of mangroves. Even if the sedimentation rate monitoring device is exposed to the air at low tide, the outer cylinder and funnel structure can effectively protect the sediment samples from loss.
[0019] (5) The device of the present invention can monitor the total deposition rate of microplastics in the mangrove area and the net deposition rate after resuspension by adding a funnel.
[0020] (6) The device of the present invention can collect microplastic particles in different time ranges by controlling the rotating tray to achieve the purpose of long-term continuous monitoring.
[0021] (7) The device of the present invention has a simple structure, is easy to replace, disassemble and clean, and is suitable for large-scale application.
[0022] (8) The method of the present invention is easy to operate and suitable for large-scale production applications.
[0023] (9) The device and method of the present invention are suitable for in-situ collection and can accurately reflect the microplastic sedimentation status in the monitoring area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the device for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas.
[0025] Figure 2 It is a top view of the collecting bin and the rotating motor (the rotating tray is not shown).
[0026] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the cover structure.
[0027] Figure 4 This is a microscope picture of deposited microplastics collected in Example 2.
[0028] Figure 5 This is a microscopic infrared spectrum image of deposited microplastics collected in Example 2 of the present invention.
[0029] Among them, 1 is the lower part of the outer cylinder, 2 is the upper part of the outer cylinder, 3 is the funnel, 4 is the flange, 5 is the screw hole, 6 is the piezoelectric ceramic piece, 7 is the collection bin, 8 is the rotating motor, 9 is the cover piece, and 10 is the hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] To make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear, the present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments, which are shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0031] It should be understood that these embodiments are intended to illustrate the present invention only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The numerical values used herein are merely for describing specific embodiments, and the same numerals in the accompanying drawings represent the same or similar elements. Furthermore, it should be understood that after reading the teachings of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to the present invention, and that such equivalents also fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.
[0032] Example 1 like Figure 1-3 The device shown here is for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas. It includes an open-top outer cylinder, a collection chamber 7, and a funnel 3. The collection chamber 7 is open-topped and located within the outer cylinder. The edge of the funnel 3 is attached to the inner wall of the outer cylinder. The outlet of the funnel 3 is located above the collection chamber 7, and the edge of the funnel 3 is lower than the upper edge of the outer cylinder. The funnel collects sediment while preventing microplastics from resuspending.
[0033] The funnel 3 is a neckless funnel.
[0034] The funnel 3 is fixedly connected to a piezoelectric ceramic sheet on its exterior, which is electrically connected to a control system. During monitoring, the piezoelectric ceramic sheet can be controlled to emit low-frequency sound waves at intervals to shake off sediment adhering to the funnel, thus resolving the issue of mangrove-derived organic matter sediment clogging the funnel outlet.
[0035] The outer cylinder is divided into an outer cylinder upper portion 2 and an outer cylinder lower portion 1. The lower edge of the outer cylinder upper portion 2, the upper edge of the outer cylinder lower portion 1, and the outer edge of the funnel 3 are all provided with flanges 4. The outer cylinder upper portion 2, the funnel 3, and the outer cylinder lower portion 1 are connected by the flanges 4. The detachable structure makes the device more convenient to set up and clean.
[0036] The funnel 3 is an eccentric funnel. There are n collection bins 7, where n is a positive integer. All of the collection bins 7 are arranged on a rotating tray and are evenly distributed circumferentially around the center of the rotating tray. A rotating motor is connected below the center of the rotating tray, and the rotating motor is electrically connected to a control system. A cover is also horizontally arranged between the collection bins 7 and the outlet of the funnel 3. The cover seals all the openings of the collection bins 7. The cover has a hole corresponding to the collection bin 7 directly below the funnel 3. The rotating tray is controlled by the rotating motor to drive the collection bins to rotate. Within a set time range, only one collection bin 7 can collect settled microplastics. This allows users to understand the sedimentation rate of microplastic particles within different time ranges, thereby achieving the purpose of long-term continuous monitoring.
[0037] There are four collecting bins 7 .
[0038] The diameter of the outer cylinder is 300 mm, the height of the upper part of the outer cylinder is 30 mm, and the height of the lower part of the outer cylinder is 300 mm.
[0039] The outer diameter of the flange 4 is 330 mm.
[0040] The flange 4 is provided with screw holes 5 .
[0041] When in use, the device for monitoring the microplastic deposition rate in the mangrove area is used to inject filtered seawater into the device; the device is set in the bottom mud of the monitoring area so that the upper edge of the outer cylinder of the device is flush with the bottom mud surface, and the time when the seawater submerges the device is recorded as the initial monitoring time.
[0042] Microplastics in the mangrove environment settle from the upper part of the outer cylinder to the funnel 3 under the action of gravity. Microplastics that settle in a non-vertical direction can also enter the funnel 3 through the upper part of the outer cylinder and gather in the collection bin 7.
[0043] During use, the control system causes the piezoelectric ceramic sheet to emit low-frequency sound waves at intervals to shake off the deposited materials adhering to the funnel-shaped sheet, thereby avoiding blockage of the funnel outlet.
[0044] According to research needs, at specific time points, the control system controls the rotating motor to control the rotation of the rotating tray, so that different collection bins are located below the hole 10, thereby collecting microplastic particles in different time ranges.
[0045] After the monitoring is completed, the deposition rate of microplastics in the monitoring area is calculated based on the amount of microplastics collected in each collection chamber 7 and the monitoring time.
[0046] This monitoring device can continuously collect microplastics deposited in the environment without manual operation, reduce the impact of horizontal migration of microplastics, and improve analysis and detection efficiency to meet the needs of long-term monitoring.
[0047] Example 2 The same mangrove area microplastic deposition rate monitoring device as in Example 1 was used, with the only difference being that no rotating motor and rotating tray were used, and only one collection bin was used.
[0048] Before sampling, the outer cylinder, funnel, screws and nuts of the microplastic deposition rate monitoring device were thoroughly rinsed with distilled water to remove microplastic pollutants that may exist on the surface of each component.
[0049] After each component has been flushed, the device is assembled.
[0050] The device is poured with filtered seawater, and then placed in the bottom mud of the monitoring area so that the upper edge of the outer cylinder of the device is flush with the bottom mud surface. The time when the seawater submerges the device is recorded as the initial monitoring time.
[0051] During monitoring, the intervals between the piezoelectric ceramic pieces are controlled to emit low-frequency sound waves to shake off the deposited materials adhering to the funnel, thus avoiding blockage of the funnel outlet.
[0052] When the monitoring is finished and the recycling is completed, take out the Sediment, obtain sediment samples and set aside; the microplastic deposition rate monitoring device is cleaned and put back into the monitoring area, and the collection of deposited microplastics can continue.
[0053] The resulting sediment samples containing microplastics were suspended and digested to separate the microplastics. The supernatant was then filtered through a 0.22 μm filter membrane to concentrate the microplastics and other particles. The samples were then initially observed using a microscope and further analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to determine the types and quantities of microplastics.
[0054] The analysis results are as follows Figure 4 、 5 shown.
[0055] Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and practicing the disclosed invention. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A device for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas, characterized in that: It includes an outer cylinder with an open top, a collecting chamber (7) and a funnel (3), The collecting bin (7) is open at the top and is arranged in the outer cylinder. The edge of the funnel (3) is connected to the inner wall of the outer cylinder. The outlet of the funnel (3) is arranged above the collecting bin (7). The edge of the funnel (3) is lower than the upper edge of the outer cylinder.
2. The device for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas according to claim 1, characterized in that: The funnel (3) is a neckless funnel.
3. The device for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outside of the funnel (3) is fixedly connected to a piezoelectric ceramic piece, and the piezoelectric ceramic piece is electrically connected to a control system.
4. The device for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer cylinder is divided into an outer cylinder upper part (2) and an outer cylinder lower part (1). The lower edge of the outer cylinder upper part (2), the upper edge of the outer cylinder lower part (1) and the outer edge of the funnel (3) are all provided with flanges (4). The outer cylinder upper part (2), the funnel (3) and the outer cylinder lower part (1) are connected via the flanges (4).
5. The device for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer diameter of the flange (4) is 330 mm.
6. The device for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas according to claim 4, characterized in that: The flange (4) is provided with screw holes (5).
7. The device for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas according to claim 1, characterized in that: The funnel (3) is an eccentric funnel. There are n collecting bins (7), where n is a positive integer. All the collecting bins (7) are arranged on a rotating tray. The collecting bins (7) are evenly distributed around the center of the rotating tray. A rotating motor is connected below the center of the rotating tray. The rotating motor is electrically connected to a control system. A cover plate (9) is horizontally arranged between the collecting bin (7) and the outlet of the funnel (3). The cover plate (9) covers the openings of all the collecting bins (7). A hole is opened on the cover plate (9) corresponding to the collecting bin (7) directly below the funnel (3).
8. The device for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas according to claim 7, characterized in that: There are four collecting bins (7).
9. The device for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the outer cylinder is 300 mm, and the height of the outer cylinder is 300-330 mm.
10. A method for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas, characterized in that: include: Using the device for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in a mangrove area according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the device is perfused with filtered seawater; The device is placed in the bottom mud of the monitoring area so that the upper edge of the outer tube of the device is flush with the bottom mud surface, and the time when the seawater submerges the device is the initial monitoring time; After the monitoring is completed, the deposition rate of the microplastics in the monitoring area is calculated based on the amount of microplastics collected in the collection chamber (7) and the total monitoring time.