Micro-plastic collecting device and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a microplastic collecting device and method. The device comprises a sampling unit used for collecting a target water sample; the elution unit is used for providing elution water; the sampling position is provided with a sampling water outlet communicated with the sampling unit; the elution position is provided with an elution water outlet communicated with the elution unit; the movable supporting structure is arranged between the sampling position and the elution position; the filter screen mechanism comprises a filter screen unit and a filter screen operation device, and the filter screen unit comprises a movable frame movably arranged on the movable supporting structure, a rotating gear ring which is installed on the movable frame in a turnover mode and provided with an outer gear ring and a filter screen body installed on the rotating gear ring; the first filter screen rotation driving mechanism and the second filter screen rotation driving mechanism are arranged at the sampling position and the elution position respectively and can be in butt joint with the filter screen units at the corresponding positions respectively so as to drive the corresponding rotary gear rings to rotate. According to the invention, the overall sampling efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of new pollutant monitoring and sampling devices, and in particular to a microplastic collection device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Microplastics are water-insoluble solid plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in size found in the environment. Their potential threat to ecosystems and human health is increasingly prominent, making them a focus of global environmental research. Microplastics are characterized by environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and complex migration. They can persist in the aquatic environment for extended periods and migrate long distances with water currents, while also acting as carriers of other pollutants, exacerbating ecological risks. The "Action Plan for the Control of New Pollutants," issued by the General Office of the State Council in 2022, listed microplastics in environmental media as a key target for control. The "List of Key Controlled New Pollutants" released by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment in 2024 further stipulated the monitoring and assessment requirements for particulate pollutants in the aquatic environment. Therefore, monitoring microplastics in the aquatic environment is essential.

[0003] Existing methods for collecting microplastics from landmark water bodies can be categorized into trawl netting and screen filtration. Trawl netting is unsuitable for narrow bodies of water, while screen filtration relies on manual sieving and rinsing of water samples. The general process involves collecting 20 liters of water sample and passing it sequentially through a 5mm pore size stainless steel filter and then a 5-micron pore size stainless steel filter. The microplastics collected on the 5-micron pore size filter are then washed away with pure water into a sampling bottle. The manual screen filtration method is cumbersome, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. Furthermore, the process of manually passing the water through the filter after collection and rinsing off the microplastics is difficult to control and cannot guarantee the uniform removal of all microplastics, affecting subsequent testing data.

[0004] This invention develops an automated microplastic sampling device to address the problems of inconsistent sampling at different locations, incomplete elution of microplastic particles, and cumbersome operation in microplastic filter filtration methods. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address these issues, the present invention provides a microplastic collection device and method to solve the problems of difficulty in ensuring consistent collection at different points, incomplete elution of microplastic particles, and cumbersome operation in the microplastic filter method.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides a microplastic collection device, comprising a mounting frame, wherein the mounting frame is provided with: The sampling unit is used to collect target water samples; The elution unit is used to provide elution water; The sampling position is equipped with a sampling outlet that is connected to the sampling unit; The elution station is provided with an elution outlet that communicates with the elution unit; A movable support structure is disposed between the sampling position and the elution position; A filter mechanism is located below the sampling outlet and the elution outlet. The filter mechanism includes a filter unit and a filter operating device. The filter unit includes a movable frame movably mounted on the movable support structure, a rotating toothed ring with an external toothed ring rotatably mounted on the movable frame, and a filter body mounted on the rotating toothed ring. The filter operating device can drive the filter unit to translate between the sampling position and the elution position, and drive the filter unit to flip to achieve the flipping of the filter body. The first filter rotation drive mechanism and the second filter rotation drive mechanism are respectively disposed at the sampling position and the elution position, and can respectively dock with the filter unit at the corresponding position to drive the corresponding rotating toothed ring to rotate; When the filter unit is in the sampling position, the target water sample is transported to the surface of the filter body for filtration through the sampling outlet; when the filter unit is in the elution position, elution water is provided to the flipped filter body through the elution outlet to achieve backwashing and removal of microplastic particles on the filter body.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, both the first filter screen rotation drive mechanism and the second filter screen rotation drive mechanism include a filter screen rotation drive motor and a drive gear connected to the output end of the filter screen rotation drive motor. The drive gear can mesh with the outer gear ring of the rotating gear ring.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the filter unit further includes a filter rotating bearing for supporting the rotation of the rotating toothed ring and rotatably mounted on the movable frame. Two rotating toothed rings are provided, and the filter body is clamped on the inner ring of the filter rotating bearing by the two rotating toothed rings. Corresponding magnetic mounting points are provided on the circumferential side of the two rotating toothed rings facing each other.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, a flipping shaft is provided between the filter screen rotating bearing and the moving frame, and the filter screen operating device includes a flipping limiting device and a rotating handle. The flipping limiting device includes a first magnetic chuck and a second magnetic chuck, and the first magnetic chuck and the second magnetic chuck have corresponding rotation limiting magnetic chuck positioning points circumferentially distributed around their respective center points on their opposite sides. The first magnetic chuck is installed on the side of the movable frame. The second magnetic chuck has a connection port extending axially from its center. The flipping shaft extends out of the center of the first magnetic chuck and connects to the connection port. The rotating handle is connected to the connection port. The second magnetic chuck is radially provided with a direction indicator for indicating the flipping direction of the filter body.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the movable support structure includes a bracket and a rack disposed on the bracket, and a movable gear meshing with the rack is disposed on the movable frame; or, the movable support structure includes a bracket and a guide rail disposed on the bracket, and a slider slidably connected to the guide rail is disposed on the movable frame.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first translational limiting magnetic locator is provided at one end of the movable frame facing the first filter rotation drive mechanism and the second filter rotation drive mechanism, and a second translational limiting magnetic locator is provided at the first filter rotation drive mechanism and the second filter rotation drive mechanism to cooperate with the first translational limiting magnetic locator, so as to realize the magnetic fixation of the filter unit at the sampling position and the elution position.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sampling unit includes a sampling water tank and a collection water pump. The sampling water tank has a first filter screen at the sample inlet, a water outlet at the bottom side wall of the sampling water tank, and a ramp structure at the bottom of the sampling water tank that slopes towards the water outlet. The collection water pump is connected to the water outlet of the water tank and is used to transport the target water sample to the sampling outlet through a water sample delivery pipe. A wastewater tank is provided between the bottom of the sampling outlet and the top of the sampling tank. A wastewater outlet is provided on the side wall of the wastewater tank, and a second filter screen is provided on the water-receiving surface of the wastewater tank.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the elution unit includes a connected elution water bottle and an elution water pump. The elution water pump delivers the elution water in the elution water bottle to the elution outlet through an elution water delivery pipe. A duckbill nozzle is connected to the elution outlet. The distance between the duckbill nozzle and the filter body and the nozzle size of the duckbill nozzle are configured such that the width of the fan-shaped water curtain formed by the spray is not less than the diameter of the filter body. A sampling bottle is provided below the elution outlet, and a microplastic particle collection funnel is provided at the mouth of the sampling bottle.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, a control system is provided at the top of the mounting frame. The control system includes a control panel, a main control unit, and a power supply module. The power supply module is used to supply power to the water collection pump, the water extraction pump, the control panel, the main control unit, the first filter screen rotation drive mechanism, and the second filter screen rotation drive mechanism. The main control unit is electrically connected to the control panel, the water collection pump, the water extraction pump, the first filter screen rotation drive mechanism, and the second filter screen rotation drive mechanism, respectively. The control panel is provided with a water collection start button, a water extraction start button, a function status display screen, and a main power switch. The main control unit can respond to the touch of the water collection start button and the water extraction start button on the control panel to control the start and stop of the water collection pump, the water extraction pump, and the first and second filter screen rotation drive mechanisms.

[0015] The present invention also provides a method for collecting microplastics, utilizing the aforementioned microplastic collection device, the method comprising: Add the target water sample to the sampling unit; The filter unit is moved to the sampling position along the movable support structure by the filter operation device. At this time, the sampling outlet faces the filter body. The sampling unit is started to deliver the target water sample to the sampling outlet. At the same time, the first filter rotation drive mechanism is controlled to drive the rotating toothed ring to rotate. The target water sample is filtered by the filter body, and microplastic particles with a particle size larger than the pore size of the filter body are trapped on the surface of the filter body. After the water sample filtration is completed, the filter unit is driven to move along the movable support structure to the elution position by the filter operation device, and the filter body is flipped over by the filter operation device so that the back of the filter body faces the elution outlet. The washing unit is activated, and the washing water is sprayed onto the back of the filter body through the washing outlet. Under the action of the rotating toothed ring driven by the second filter body rotation drive mechanism, the water covers the surface of the filter body, thereby backwashing away the microplastic particles trapped on the filter body.

[0016] The technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art: This invention discloses a microplastic collection device and method, realizing a semi-automatic process for filtering, enriching, eluting, and collecting microplastics in water samples. The device ensures consistency in each sampling operation, guaranteeing that plastic particles can be uniformly and thoroughly eluted, thus ensuring the accuracy of the detection data. Simultaneously, the sampling device reduces the complexity of on-site sampling operations and significantly minimizes manual intervention. Compared to traditional manual filtration, this invention reduces labor intensity, shortens operation time, and improves overall sampling efficiency.

[0017] This invention uses a magnetic positioning device to ensure the precise positioning of the filter mechanism between the sampling and elution positions, while a rotary drive mechanism keeps the filter rotating uniformly during sampling and elution, avoiding uncertainties caused by differences in manual operation, thereby ensuring operational consistency and data comparability between different sampling points.

[0018] Under the rotation of the filter body of the present invention, the collected water sample evenly covers the surface of the filter body, ensuring that microplastics with a particle size larger than the filter pore size can be effectively intercepted; in the elution process, the fan-shaped high-pressure water curtain generated by the duckbill nozzle, combined with the rotation of the filter, achieves full coverage rinsing of the filter surface, thereby ensuring that the intercepted microplastic particles can be evenly and thoroughly backwashed away, improving the integrity and reliability of sample collection.

[0019] This invention allows operators to complete sampling and elution simply by turning the handle and pressing a button, eliminating the need for cumbersome manual sieving and rinsing steps. This simplified operation mode is particularly suitable for unstable operating platforms such as ships and floating platforms, significantly improving the applicability and convenience of the equipment in various field environments.

[0020] This invention adopts an integrated design of chassis frame, front frame, back frame and top cover. The sampling unit and elution unit are arranged in a reasonable manner. The electronic control unit is centrally packaged in the electronic component compartment, which not only ensures the protection and safety of the system, but also improves the overall compactness and portability of the device, making it easy to deploy quickly in the field water environment.

[0021] The present invention incorporates an elution water bottle in the elution unit, which allows for the pre-storage of sufficient pure water, reducing the need for frequent replenishment of elution solution during sampling, thereby further reducing operational complexity and improving the continuity of on-site work.

[0022] This invention includes a function status display screen in the control system, which can display information such as "Standby", "Acquisition", "Washing", and "Error Message" according to the trigger status of different operation buttons. This allows operators to intuitively grasp the working status of the equipment, effectively reduce the occurrence of misoperation, and improve the safety and controllability of the system.

[0023] This invention can screen and enrich microplastic particles with a diameter between 5 mm and 5 micrometers in water samples. Combined with a uniform elution design and standardized process, it ensures complete sample collection and guarantees the accuracy and reliability of subsequent laboratory test data, providing a solid data foundation for microplastic pollution monitoring. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To make the content of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the microplastic collection device after removing the outer shell, according to an embodiment of the present invention, from a first-side perspective.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the microplastic collection device after removing the outer shell, according to an embodiment of the present invention, from a second-side perspective.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the filter mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 This is an exploded structural diagram of the filter mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sampling unit in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom of the sampling tank in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of the appearance of the microplastic collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention from a first side view.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of the appearance of the microplastic collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention from a second side view.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the control panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 12 This is the text displayed on the function status display screen after pressing the corresponding button in this embodiment of the invention.

[0037] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the sampling process of the microplastic collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0038] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the sampling process of the microplastic collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0039] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the sampling process of the microplastic collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 .

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the instruction manual: 100. Mounting frame; 110. Sampling position; 120. Elution position; 130. Chassis frame; 140. Front frame; 150. Rear frame; 160. Top cover; 170. Electronic component compartment; 180. Housing; 1. Sampling unit; 11. Sampling outlet; 12. Sampling tank; 121. Sloping structure; 13. Water pump; 14. First filter screen; 15. Water tank outlet; 16. Wastewater tank; 17. Wastewater discharge outlet; 18. Water sample delivery pipe; 19. Water tank dust cover; 2. Elution unit; 21. Elution outlet; 22. Elution water bottle; 23. Elution water pump; 24. Duckbill nozzle; 25. Elution water delivery pipe; 3. Movable support structure; 31. Bracket; 32. Rack; 4. Filter mechanism; 5. Filter unit; 51. Movable frame; 511. Movable gear; 512. First translation limit magnetic locator; 52. Rotating gear ring; 521. Magnetic mounting point; 53. Filter body; 54. Filter rotating bearing; 55. Tilting shaft; 56. Pressure ring; 6. Filter screen operating device; 61. Flipping limit device; 61a. First magnetic chuck; 61b. Second magnetic chuck; 611. Rotation limit magnetic positioning point; 612. Connection port; 613. Direction indicator; 62. Rotating handle; 71. First filter screen rotation drive mechanism; 72. Second filter screen rotation drive mechanism; 711. Filter screen rotation drive motor; 712. Drive gear; 713. Second translation limit magnetic positioner; 8. Control system; 81. Control panel; 82. Main control unit; 83. Power supply module; 84. Data acquisition start button; 85. Washing and desorption start button; 86. Function status display screen; 87. Main power switch; 88. Charging port; 89a. First relay; 89b. Second relay; 9. Sampling bottle; 91. Microplastic particle collection funnel. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments described are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0042] In this invention, when directions (up, down, left, right, front, and back) are described, it is only for the convenience of describing the technical solution of this invention, and does not indicate or imply that the technical features referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0043] In this invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," "exceeding," etc., are understood to exclude the stated number; "above," "below," "within," etc., are understood to include the stated number. In the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0044] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "setting," "installing," and "connecting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrally formed connection; a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection capable of mutual communication; or the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific content of the technical solution.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a microplastic collection device of the present invention includes a mounting frame 100, on which: Sampling unit 1 is used to collect target water samples; Elution unit 2 is used to provide elution water; Sampling position 110 is provided with a sampling outlet 11 that is connected to the sampling unit 1; The elution station 120 is provided with an elution outlet 21 that communicates with the elution unit 2; A movable support structure 3 is disposed between the sampling position 110 and the elution position 120; A filter mechanism 4 is located below the sampling outlet 11 and the elution outlet 21. The filter mechanism 4 includes a filter unit 5 and a filter operating device 6. The filter unit 5 includes a movable frame 51 movably mounted on the movable support structure 3, a rotating toothed ring 52 with an external toothed ring that is rotatably mounted on the movable frame 51, and a filter body 53 mounted on the rotating toothed ring 52. The filter operating device 6 can drive the filter unit 5 to translate between the sampling position 110 and the elution position 120, and drive the filter unit 5 to flip so as to flip the filter body 53. The first filter rotation drive mechanism 71 and the second filter rotation drive mechanism 72 are respectively disposed at the sampling position 110 and the elution position 120, and can respectively dock with the filter unit 5 at the corresponding position to drive the corresponding rotating toothed ring 52 to rotate. When the filter unit 5 is in the sampling position 110, the target water sample is transported to the surface of the filter body 53 for filtration through the sampling outlet 11; when the filter unit 5 is in the elution position 120, elution water is provided to the flipped filter body 53 through the elution outlet 21 to achieve backwashing and removal of microplastic particles on the filter body 53.

[0046] With the above configuration, the filter unit 5 can not only move between the sampling position 110 and the elution position 120, but also flip the filter body 53 through the filter operation device 6. This design allows the elution water to act directly on the back of the filter body 53 during the elution process. Combined with the rotation drive of the second filter rotation drive mechanism 72, it effectively achieves backwashing and desorption of the trapped microplastic particles, ensuring the complete recovery of the sample.

[0047] When collecting microplastics using the above-mentioned microplastic collection device, the following steps are included: Add the target water sample to the sampling unit 1; The filter unit 5 is moved to the sampling position 110 along the movable support structure 3 by the filter operation device 6. At this time, the sampling outlet 11 faces the filter body 53. The sampling unit 1 is started to deliver the target water sample to the sampling outlet 11. At the same time, the first filter rotation drive mechanism 71 is controlled to drive the rotating toothed ring 52 to rotate. The target water sample is filtered by the filter body 53. Microplastic particles with a particle size larger than the pore size of the filter body 53 are trapped on the surface of the filter body 53. After the water sample filtration is completed, the filter screen unit 5 is driven to move along the movable support structure 3 to the elution position 120 by the filter screen operation device 6, and the filter screen body 53 is flipped over by the filter screen operation device 6 so that the back of the filter screen body 53 faces the elution outlet 21. The washing unit 2 is activated, and the washing water is sprayed onto the back of the filter body 53 through the washing outlet 21. Under the action of the second filter rotation drive mechanism 72 driving the rotating toothed ring 52 to rotate, the water covers the surface of the filter body 53, thereby backwashing away the microplastic particles trapped on the filter body 53.

[0048] The coordinated operation of the movable support structure 3 and the filter mechanism 4 enables efficient switching between sampling and elution functions, improving the ease of operation of the device. The synergistic effect of the first filter rotation drive mechanism 71, the second filter rotation drive mechanism 72, and the filter mechanism 4 ensures that the target water sample flow and the elution water flow can evenly cover the surface of the filter body 53, thereby ensuring sufficient filtration, elution, and collection of the sample.

[0049] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, both the first filter screen rotation drive mechanism 71 and the second filter screen rotation drive mechanism 72 include a filter screen rotation drive motor 711 and a drive gear 712 connected to the output end of the filter screen rotation drive motor 711. The drive gear 712 can mesh with the outer gear ring of the rotating gear ring 52.

[0050] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the filter unit 5 also includes a filter rotary bearing 54 for supporting the rotation of the rotary gear ring 52 and rotatably mounted on the movable frame 51. There are two rotary gear rings 52, and the filter body 53 is clamped on the inner ring of the filter rotary bearing 54 by the two rotary gear rings 52. Correspondingly, the output end of the filter rotation drive motor 711 is equipped with two drive gears 712 arranged side by side, and the two drive gears 712 are connected by a connecting shaft.

[0051] Specifically, the two rotating toothed rings 52 have corresponding magnetic mounting points 521 on their opposite sides. A cylindrical magnet of size 5mm × 3mm can be installed at the magnetic mounting point 521 for easy replacement of the filter body 53.

[0052] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 5 As shown, a flipping shaft 55 is provided between the filter screen rotating bearing 54 (both radial ends) and the moving frame 51. The filter screen operating device 6 includes a flipping limiting device 61 and a rotating handle 62. The flipping limiting device 61 includes a first magnetic chuck 61a and a second magnetic chuck 61b. The first magnetic chuck 61a and the second magnetic chuck 61b have corresponding rotation limiting magnetic chuck positioning points 611 distributed circumferentially around their respective center points on their opposite sides. A cylindrical magnet with a size of 5mm×3mm is provided at the rotation limiting magnetic chuck positioning point 611. The first magnetic chuck 61a is mounted on the side of the movable frame 51. A connection port 612 extends axially from the center of the second magnetic chuck 61b. The flipping shaft 55 extends out from the center of the first magnetic chuck 61a and connects to the connection port 612. The rotating handle 62 is connected to the connection port 612. A direction indicator 613 is radially provided on the second magnetic chuck 61b to indicate the flipping direction of the filter body 53. This direction indicator 613 is T-shaped and can indicate the current direction of the filter body 53 to the user, preventing incorrect rotation.

[0053] In one embodiment, a pressure ring 56 is also provided on the top of the filter screen rotary bearing 54. The two ends of the pressure ring 56 are connected to two flip shafts 55. The flip shafts 55 at both ends of the pressure ring 56 and the flip shafts 55 at both ends of the filter screen rotary bearing 54 are spliced ​​together (each half corresponding to the other). The movable frame 51 is provided with a bearing seat for the flip shafts 55 to flip and support.

[0054] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the movable support structure 3 includes a bracket 31 and a rack 32 disposed on the bracket 31, and the movable frame 51 is provided with a movable gear 511 that meshes with the rack 32; or, the movable support structure 3 includes a bracket 31 and a guide rail disposed on the bracket 31, and the movable frame 51 is provided with a slider that is slidably connected to the guide rail.

[0055] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 4 As shown, in order to make the filter mechanism 4 move stably, the moving frame 51 is provided with two rows of moving gears 511 at both ends perpendicular to its translation direction. There are two gears in each row, and a total of eight moving gears 511 are distributed at the six intersection points of the virtual hexahedron. Correspondingly, four rows of racks 32 are provided.

[0056] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the movable frame 51 is provided with a first translational limiting magnetic locator 512 at one end facing the first filter rotation drive mechanism 71 and the second filter rotation drive mechanism 72, respectively. A second translational limiting magnetic locator 713 is provided at the first filter rotation drive mechanism 71 and the second filter rotation drive mechanism 72, respectively, to cooperate with the first translational limiting magnetic locator 512, so as to achieve magnetic fixation of the filter unit 5 at the sampling position 110 and the elution position 120. Cylindrical magnets with dimensions of 5mm × 3mm are installed on the first translational limiting magnetic locator 512 and the second translational limiting magnetic locator 713.

[0057] By setting the first translational limiting magnetic locator 512, the second translational limiting magnetic locator 713, and the rotational limiting magnetic locator 611, the filter unit 5 is accurately fixed at the sampling position 110 and the elution position 120, avoiding data deviation caused by manual positioning errors.

[0058] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 6 As shown, the sampling unit 1 includes a sampling water tank 12 and a collection water pump 13. The sampling water tank 12 has a first filter screen 14 at its sampling port, and a water tank cap 19 covers the first filter screen 14. A water tank outlet 15 is provided on the bottom side wall of the sampling water tank 12. (Refer to...) Figure 7As shown, the bottom of the sampling water tank 12 is provided with a ramp structure 121 that is inclined towards the water tank outlet 15; the sampling water pump 13 is connected to the water tank outlet 15 and is used to transport the target water sample to the sampling outlet 11 through the water sample delivery pipe 18. A wastewater tank 16 is provided between the lower part of the sampling outlet 11 and the upper part of the sampling water tank 12. A wastewater outlet 17 is provided on the side wall of the wastewater tank 16, and a second filter screen is provided on the water-receiving surface of the wastewater tank 16.

[0059] Specifically, refer to Figure 9 As shown, the elution unit 2 includes a connected elution water bottle 22 and an elution water pump 23. The elution water pump 23 delivers the elution water in the elution water bottle 22 to the elution outlet 21 through the elution water delivery pipe 25. (Refer to...) Figure 15 As shown, a duckbill nozzle 24 is connected to the elution outlet 21. The distance between the duckbill nozzle 24 and the filter body 53, and the nozzle size of the duckbill nozzle 24, are configured such that the width of the fan-shaped water curtain formed by the spray is not less than the diameter of the filter body 53. A sampling bottle 9 is disposed below the elution outlet 21, and a microplastic particle collection funnel 91 is disposed at the mouth of the sampling bottle 9. The elution water bottle 22 can pre-store the pure water required for elution, reducing on-site replenishment steps and significantly simplifying the workload during the sampling process.

[0060] It should be noted that this device can screen and enrich microplastic particles with a diameter between 5 mm and 5 micrometers in water samples. The collected water sample enters the sampling tank 12 through a 5 mm first filter screen 14, thereby removing impurities larger than 5 mm. The bottom of the sampling tank is provided with a sloping structure 121 facing the water outlet 15 to ensure that the water sample can be completely discharged. The target water sample is pumped to the sampling outlet 11 through a water pipe by the sampling pump 13. When the filter screen mechanism 4 moves to the sampling position 110, the sampling outlet 11 is located above the filter screen body 53. The permeate after filtration through the 5 micrometer filter screen is collected by the wastewater tank 16 and discharged through the wastewater outlet 17, while the trapped microplastics remain on the surface of the filter screen body 53.

[0061] After microplastic filtration is completed, the filter screen mechanism 4 is moved from the sampling position 110 to the elution position 120. At this time, the filter screen body 53 is flipped over by rotating the handle 62 so that its back side faces the elution outlet 21. The elution water pump 23 is started to draw pure water from the elution water bottle 22 containing pure water, which is sprayed through the duckbill nozzle 24 to form a fan-shaped water curtain that evenly covers the back side of the filter screen body 53. The nozzle size and distance between the duckbill nozzle 24 and the filter screen are optimized so that the width of the end of the fan-shaped water curtain is approximately equal to the diameter of the filter screen body 53, thus achieving full coverage. Driven by the second filter screen rotation drive mechanism 72, the filter screen body 53 continues to rotate, so that the fan-shaped water curtain evenly washes the surface of the filter screen, achieving backwashing and removal of the trapped microplastic particles. The desorbed particles flow with the water into the stainless steel microplastic particle collection funnel 91 below, and are finally collected in the sampling bottle 9, completing the enrichment and recovery of microplastics.

[0062] Specifically, refer to Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the mounting frame 100 includes a chassis frame 130, a front frame 140 and a back frame 150 vertically mounted on both sides of the chassis frame 130, and a top cover 160 mounted on the top of the front frame 140 and the back frame 150. The mounting frame 100 is surrounded by a shell 180. The sampling unit 1 and the elution unit 2 are both mounted on the chassis frame 130. The bracket 31 is mounted between the front frame 140 and the back frame 150 and is located above the sampling unit 1 and the elution unit 2, which improves the overall compactness of the device.

[0063] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 9 , Figure 11 As shown, a control system 8 is installed on the top of the mounting frame 100 (on the top cover 160). The control system 8 includes a control panel 81, a main control unit 82, and a power supply module 83. The power supply module 83 is used to supply power to the water collection pump 13, the water washing pump 23, the control panel 81, the main control unit 82, the first filter screen rotation drive mechanism 71, and the second filter screen rotation drive mechanism 72. The main control unit 82 is electrically connected to the control panel 81, the water collection pump 13, the water washing pump 23, the first filter screen rotation drive mechanism 71, and the second filter screen rotation drive mechanism 72. The control panel 81 is provided with a water collection start button 84, a water washing start button 85, a function status display screen 86, and a main power switch 87. The main control unit 82 can respond to the touch of the water collection start button 84 and the water washing start button 85 on the control panel 81 to control the start and stop of the water collection pump 13, the water washing pump 23, the first filter screen rotation drive mechanism 71, and the second filter screen rotation drive mechanism 72.

[0064] For example, refer to Figure 10As shown, the main control unit 82 is connected to the water collection pump 13 and the water washing pump 23 via the first relay 89a and the second relay 89b, respectively; the main control unit 82 is connected to the filter rotation drive motor 711 (equipped with an adjustable speed motor) of the first filter rotation drive mechanism 71 and the second filter rotation drive mechanism 72 via connecting wires; the power supply module 83 uses a 12V, 6000mAh lithium battery; the main control unit 82 uses an Arduino Nano microcontroller and its expansion board; the lithium battery is connected to the microcontroller via a 12V to 5V step-down chip.

[0065] Reference Figure 12 As shown, the function status display screen 86 uses an LED display screen. Different functions are activated by pressing different buttons, and the display screen shows the current working status of the acquisition device.

[0066] For example, when neither the acquisition start button 84 nor the elution start button 85 is pressed, the display shows: "Elution in standby | Acquisition"; When only the acquisition start button 84 is pressed, the display shows: "Acquiring and rinsing | Acquiring"; When only the wash start button 85 is pressed, the display shows: "Washing in progress | Acquisition"; When the acquisition start button 84 and the elution start button 85 are pressed at the same time, the display shows: "Error, please reset button".

[0067] In addition, refer to Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, all components of the control system 8 are encapsulated in the electronic component compartment 170 of the top cover 160 on the top of the mounting frame 100 to ensure the safety and protection of the system. The side wall of the electronic component compartment 170 is provided with a charging port 88.

[0068] This device can be directly deployed on-site and is suitable for semi-automatic microplastic sampling and enrichment operations in various aquatic environments. It significantly reduces on-site operations while effectively improving the consistency and repeatability of sampling results. Operation is simple; sample collection is completed by merely turning the handle and pressing the corresponding button, eliminating the need for cumbersome manual sieving and backwashing steps. Compared to traditional manual filtration methods, this device offers greater adaptability and reliability on unstable operating platforms such as ships.

[0069] Reference Figures 13 to 15 As shown, the overall workflow is as follows: Before formal sampling, the operator first places the sampling bottle 9 under the stainless steel collecting funnel at the bottom of the device and adds sufficient pure water to the elution bottle 22 for later use. Then, the main power switch 87 is turned on, and the device enters standby mode.

[0070] The operator rotates the operating handle to point the direction indicator 613 of the filter mechanism 4 towards the sampling position 110, and then moves the filter mechanism 4 along the movable support structure 3 to the sampling position 110. Once the filter core reaches the sampling position 110, the corresponding magnet of the magnetic locator automatically engages, locking the position. At this time, the sampling outlet 11 is directly opposite the filter body 53, ready for water sample filtration.

[0071] The target water sample is added to the sampling tank 12 using a sampling container. The water sample first passes through a 5 mm primary filter at the sampling port of the sampling tank 12 to remove impurities larger than 5 mm.

[0072] Pressing the data collection start button 84 on the control panel 81 activates the data collection pump 13 upon receiving the signal, simultaneously driving the first filter screen rotation drive mechanism 71. At this time, the water sample, pressurized by the data collection pump 13 from the sampling tank 12, is evenly sprayed onto the surface of the filter screen body 53 through the sampling outlet 11. The filter screen rotating toothed ring 52 rotates slowly under the action of the drive mechanism, ensuring the water flow is evenly distributed across the entire surface of the filter screen. Microplastic particles are trapped on the filter screen body 53, while the permeable liquid flows into the wastewater tank 16 and is discharged through the wastewater outlet 17. If more water samples need to be collected, the sampling and filtration steps can be repeated.

[0073] After the target volume of water sample has been filtered, the operator moves the filter mechanism 4 from the sampling position 110 to the elution position 120 and rotates the filter operation handle 180° to the left. At this time, the filter body 53 is flipped over, with its back facing the elution outlet 21, in preparation for backwashing. The T-shaped indicator on the flipping limit device 61 points to the flipped direction, ensuring the visibility and correctness of the operation.

[0074] Pressing the wash-start button 85 on the control panel 81 activates the main control unit 82, starting the wash-start water pump 23 and the second filter screen rotation drive mechanism 72. Pure water, pressurized by the pump, is delivered from the wash-start water bottle 22 to the duckbill nozzle 24, forming a fan-shaped high-pressure water curtain that evenly covers the back of the filter screen. The filter screen continues to rotate under the rotation drive, ensuring the water curtain fully covers and washes the entire filter screen surface, guaranteeing that trapped microplastic particles are evenly and thoroughly backwashed away.

[0075] The microplastic particles removed by backwashing fall with the water flow into the stainless steel collection funnel below and are collected in the pre-placed sampling bottle 9.

[0076] After the elution operation is completed, the elution pump 23 and the rotary drive mechanism automatically stop, and the function status display screen 86 returns to the standby display. The operator removes the sampling bottle 9 and seals it for later experimental analysis.

[0077] Finally, it should be noted that the above specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to examples, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microplastic collection device, characterized in that, Includes a mounting frame (100), on which are provided: Sampling unit (1) is used to collect target water samples; Elution unit (2) is used to provide elution water; The sampling position (110) is provided with a sampling outlet (11) that is connected to the sampling unit (1). The elution station (120) is provided with an elution outlet (21) that communicates with the elution unit (2). A movable support structure (3) is disposed between the sampling position (110) and the elution position (120); The filter mechanism (4) is located below the sampling outlet (11) and the elution outlet (21). The filter mechanism (4) includes a filter unit (5) and a filter operating device (6). The filter unit (5) includes a movable frame (51) movably mounted on the movable support structure (3), a rotating toothed ring (52) with an external toothed ring mounted on the movable frame (51) and a filter body (53) mounted on the rotating toothed ring (52). The filter operating device (6) can drive the filter unit (5) to translate between the sampling position (110) and the elution position (120) and drive the filter unit (5) to flip so as to flip the filter body (53). The first filter screen rotation drive mechanism (71) and the second filter screen rotation drive mechanism (72) are respectively located at the sampling position (110) and the elution position (120), and can respectively dock with the filter screen unit (5) at the corresponding position to drive the corresponding rotating toothed ring (52) to rotate. When the filter unit (5) is in the sampling position (110), the target water sample is transported to the surface of the filter body (53) for filtration through the sampling outlet (11); when the filter unit (5) is in the elution position (120), elution water is provided to the flipped filter body (53) through the elution outlet (21) to achieve backwashing and removal of microplastic particles on the filter body (53).

2. The microplastic collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first filter screen rotation drive mechanism (71) and the second filter screen rotation drive mechanism (72) include a filter screen rotation drive motor (711) and a drive gear (712) connected to the output end of the filter screen rotation drive motor (711). The drive gear (712) can mesh with the outer gear ring of the rotating gear ring (52).

3. The microplastic collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter unit (5) further includes a filter rotating bearing (54) for supporting the rotation of the rotating toothed ring (52) and rotatably mounted on the movable frame (51). There are two rotating toothed rings (52), and the filter body (53) is clamped on the inner ring of the filter rotating bearing (54) by the two rotating toothed rings (52). Corresponding magnetic mounting points (521) are provided on the circumferential side of the two rotating toothed rings (52) facing each other.

4. The microplastic collection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, A flipping shaft (55) is provided between the filter screen rotating bearing (54) and the moving frame (51). The filter screen operating device (6) includes a flipping limiting device (61) and a rotating handle (62). The flipping limiting device (61) includes a first magnetic chuck (61a) and a second magnetic chuck (61b). The first magnetic chuck (61a) and the second magnetic chuck (61b) have corresponding rotation limiting magnetic chuck positioning points (611) distributed circumferentially around their respective center points on their opposite sides. The first magnetic chuck (61a) is mounted on the side of the movable frame (51). The second magnetic chuck (61b) has a connecting port (612) extending axially from its center. The flipping shaft (55) extends out of the center of the first magnetic chuck (61a) and is connected to the connecting port (612). The rotating handle (62) is connected to the connecting port (612). The second magnetic chuck (61b) is radially provided with a direction indicator (613) for indicating the flipping direction of the filter body (53).

5. A microplastic collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable support structure (3) includes a bracket (31) and a rack (32) disposed on the bracket (31), and the movable frame (51) is provided with a movable gear (511) meshing with the rack (32); or, the movable support structure (3) includes a bracket (31) and a guide rail disposed on the bracket (31), and the movable frame (51) is provided with a slider slidably connected to the guide rail.

6. The microplastic collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable frame (51) is provided with a first translation limit magnetic locator (512) at one end facing the first filter rotation drive mechanism (71) and the second filter rotation drive mechanism (72). The first filter rotation drive mechanism (71) and the second filter rotation drive mechanism (72) are respectively provided with a second translation limit magnetic locator (713) that cooperates with the first translation limit magnetic locator (512) so as to realize the magnetic fixation of the filter unit (5) at the sampling position (110) and the elution position (120).

7. A microplastic collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sampling unit (1) includes a sampling water tank (12) and a collection water pump (13). The sampling water tank (12) has a first filter screen (14) at the sample inlet. The sampling water tank (12) has a water tank outlet (15) on the bottom side wall. The bottom of the sampling water tank (12) has a ramp structure (121) that slopes towards the water tank outlet (15). The collection water pump (13) is connected to the water tank outlet (15) and is used to transport the target water sample to the sampling outlet (11) through the water sample delivery pipe (18). A wastewater tank (16) is provided between the bottom of the sampling outlet (11) and the top of the sampling water tank (12). A wastewater outlet (17) is provided on the side wall of the wastewater tank (16). A second filter screen is provided on the water-bearing surface of the wastewater tank (16).

8. A microplastic collection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The elution unit (2) includes a connected elution water bottle (22) and an elution water pump (23). The elution water pump (23) transports the elution water in the elution water bottle (22) to the elution outlet (21) through the elution water delivery pipe (25). A duckbill nozzle (24) is connected to the elution outlet (21). The distance between the duckbill nozzle (24) and the filter body (53) and the nozzle size of the duckbill nozzle (24) are configured such that the width of the fan-shaped water curtain formed by the spray is not less than the diameter of the filter body (53). A sampling bottle (9) is provided below the elution outlet (21). A microplastic particle collection funnel (91) is provided at the mouth of the sampling bottle (9).

9. A microplastic collection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, A control system (8) is installed at the top of the mounting frame (100). The control system (8) includes a control panel (81), a main control unit (82), and a power supply module (83). The power supply module (83) is used to supply power to the water collection pump (13), the water washing pump (23), the control panel (81), the main control unit (82), the first filter screen rotation drive mechanism (71), and the second filter screen rotation drive mechanism (72). The main control unit (82) is connected to the control panel (81), the water collection pump (13), the water washing pump (23), and the second filter screen rotation drive mechanism (72), respectively. The first filter screen rotation drive mechanism (71) and the second filter screen rotation drive mechanism (72) are electrically connected. The control panel (81) is provided with a data acquisition start button (84), a washing start button (85), a function status display screen (86), and a main power switch (87). The main control unit (82) can respond to the touch of the data acquisition start button (84) and the washing start button (85) on the control panel (81) to control the start and stop of the data acquisition pump (13), the washing pump (23), the first filter screen rotation drive mechanism (71), and the second filter screen rotation drive mechanism (72).

10. A method for collecting microplastics, characterized in that, The method using the microplastic collection device according to any one of claims 1-9 includes: Add the target water sample to the sampling unit (1); The filter unit (5) is moved along the movable support structure (3) to the sampling position (110) by the filter operation device (6). At this time, the sampling outlet (11) faces the filter body (53). The sampling unit (1) is started to transport the target water sample to the sampling outlet (11). At the same time, the first filter rotation drive mechanism (71) is controlled to drive the rotating toothed ring (52) to rotate. The target water sample is filtered by the filter body (53). Microplastic particles with a particle size larger than the pore size of the filter body (53) are trapped on the surface of the filter body (53). After the water sample filtration is completed, the filter unit (5) is driven to move along the movable support structure (3) to the elution position (120) by the filter operation device (6), and the filter body (53) is flipped over by the filter operation device (6) so that the back of the filter body (53) faces the elution outlet (21). The washing unit (2) is started, and the washing water is sprayed onto the back of the filter body (53) through the washing outlet (21). Under the action of the second filter rotation drive mechanism (72) driving the rotating toothed ring (52) to rotate, the water covers the surface of the filter body (53), thereby backwashing away the microplastic particles trapped on the filter body (53).

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