A device and method for on-site collection and filtration of microplastic samples in water.

Abstract

This invention provides a rapid filtration device and method for on-site collection of microplastic samples from water bodies, comprising a cylinder and a filter tank. The cylinder contains a water storage chamber, and the top of the cylinder has an installation port communicating with the water storage chamber. The filter tank is sealed to the installation port, and a filter layer located at the installation port is fixedly connected to the bottom of the filter tank. A first pipe communicating with the water storage chamber is connected to the side wall of the cylinder, and a first valve is connected to the first pipe. The device has a modular structure, with the filter tank and cylinder being detachably connected, supporting flexible combinations of single-stage or multi-stage filtration. It does not rely on an external power source; a mobile power supply can power components such as the vacuum pump and controller, adapting to scenarios without power in the field. Combining the water seal principle or the negative pressure effect of the vacuum pump, it can quickly filter large-volume water samples, solving the need for large-volume water samples for microplastic sampling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water environment monitoring, and in particular to a device and method for on-site collection and filtration of microplastic samples from water bodies. Background Technology

[0002] Microplastics, namely plastic particles, fibers, or fragments with a diameter of less than 5 mm, are emerging environmental pollutants. Their occurrence characteristics and ecological risks in aquatic environments have become a cutting-edge issue of global concern. Due to their non-degradability, strong adsorption, and cross-media migration capabilities, microplastics can be widely distributed in water, soil, and atmosphere through source-sink processes and pose a potential threat to human health through the food chain. Scientific research on microplastics has been a hot topic in recent years. The average density of microplastics in the surface waters of the Bohai Sea and East China Sea near the coast of China is 0.82 particles / m³ and 0.25 particles / m³, respectively, indicating a low content of microplastics per unit volume of water sample. Therefore, conducting microplastic sampling requires a large volume of water (greater than 5 L). Laboratory filtration equipment is bulky and heavy, and power supply issues must be considered, making it unsuitable for on-site sampling and filtration.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to develop a portable, easy-to-assemble, and simple-to-operate field collection and filtration device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a device and method for on-site collection and filtration of microplastic samples in water, which solves the problem of inconvenient on-site filtration in the prior art.

[0005] This invention provides a field collection and filtration device for microplastic samples in water, comprising a cylinder and a filter tank. The cylinder has a water storage chamber, and the top of the cylinder has an installation port communicating with the water storage chamber. The filter tank is sealed to the installation port, and a filter layer located at the installation port is fixedly connected to the bottom of the filter tank. A first pipe communicating with the water storage chamber is connected to the side wall of the cylinder, and a first valve is connected to the first pipe.

[0006] Furthermore, the filter tank is detachably connected to the mounting port, and a sealing ring is fixedly connected to the bottom of the filter tank. The sealing ring fits against the edge of the mounting port to form a seal between the cylinder and the filter tank.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes a portable power source. A second pipe communicating with the water storage chamber is connected to the side wall of the cylinder. A second valve is connected to the second pipe. The second pipe is located above the first pipe. A vacuum pump is detachably connected to the end of the second pipe away from the cylinder. The vacuum pump is electrically connected to the portable power source.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes a controller, a pressure sensor and a level sensor are connected inside the water storage chamber, a water pump is connected to the end of the second pipe, a second valve is located between the water pump and the cylinder, the first valve and the second valve are configured as one-way valves, the one-way valve restricts fluid from entering the water storage chamber, and the pressure sensor, level sensor, vacuum pump and water pump are electrically connected to the controller and the mobile power supply.

[0009] This invention also provides a method for on-site collection and filtration of microplastic samples in water, applicable to an on-site collection and filtration device for microplastic samples in water, comprising the following steps:

[0010] S1. Close the first valve and fill the water storage chamber with the first preset amount of water so that the water level covers the inlet end of the first pipe. S2. Pour the water to be sampled into the filter tank and open the first valve.

[0011] This invention also provides a method for on-site collection and filtration of microplastic samples in water, applicable to an on-site collection and filtration device for microplastic samples in water, comprising the following steps: B1. Close the first valve, open the second valve, and start the vacuum pump; B2. Pour the water to be sampled into the filter tank. When the liquid level in the water storage chamber is higher than the first preset water level, open the first valve, close the second valve and the vacuum pump, and drain the water in the water storage chamber. The first preset water level is located below the inlet of the second valve. B3. When the liquid level in the water storage chamber is lower than the second preset water level, the cycle returns to B1.

[0012] This invention also provides a method for on-site collection and filtration of microplastic samples from water bodies, applicable to an on-site collection and filtration device for microplastic samples from water bodies, comprising: Collect air pressure and liquid level information within the water storage chamber; Control the start-up of the vacuum pump and water pump; The operating power of the vacuum pump and the water pump are controlled according to the liquid level information in the water storage chamber to maintain the liquid level in the water storage chamber within the preset range; When the air pressure information is lower than the air pressure threshold, the vacuum pump and water pump are controlled to stop running.

[0013] Furthermore, the step of controlling the operating power of the vacuum pump and the water pump respectively based on the liquid level information in the water storage chamber to maintain the liquid level in the water storage chamber within a first preset range includes: When the liquid level is below the preset range, increase the operating power of the vacuum pump; when the liquid level returns to the preset range, maintain the current power of the vacuum pump. When the liquid level is higher than the preset range, increase the operating power of the water pump; when the liquid level returns to the preset range, maintain the current power of the water pump.

[0014] The present invention also provides an electronic device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and running on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the on-site collection and filtration method for microplastic samples in water.

[0015] The present invention also provides a computer program product, including a computer program, characterized in that, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the on-site collection and filtration method for microplastic samples in water.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. The device features a modular structure with a detachable connection between the filter tank and the cylinder, supporting flexible combinations of single-stage or multi-stage filtration. It requires no external power supply; a portable power source can power the vacuum pump, controller, and other components, making it suitable for outdoor environments without power. Combining the water seal principle or the negative pressure effect of the vacuum pump, it can quickly filter large volumes of water samples, addressing the need for large-volume water samples in microplastic sampling. Liquid level control enables a filtration-drainage cycle, eliminating the need for frequent device disassembly and improving sampling efficiency.

[0017] 2. Equipped with a pressure sensor, a level sensor, and a controller, it can monitor the pressure and level data in the water storage chamber in real time. It can automatically adjust the operating power of the vacuum pump and water pump to maintain a stable level, requiring no real-time manual monitoring. When the pressure falls below the threshold, the controller will automatically stop the vacuum pump and water pump to prevent device malfunctions caused by filter clogging, ensuring the safety and stability of the sampling process. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged diagram of point A in the middle.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the data collection and filtering method of Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the data collection and filtering method of Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the data collection and filtering method of Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device provided by the present invention.

[0026] Figure label: 1. Cylinder; 11. Water storage chamber; 12. Mounting port; 2. Filter tank; 21. Filter layer; 3. First pipe; 31. First valve; 4. Second pipe; 41. Second valve; 5. Pressure sensor; 51. Processor; 52. Communication interface; 53. Memory; 54. Communication bus; 6. Liquid level sensor; 7. Water pump; 8. Vacuum pump; 9. Sealing ring; 91. Annular groove; 10. Connecting protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0028] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this invention may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of those features. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0030] The following is combined with Figures 1-8 This invention describes a field collection and filtration device and method for microplastic samples in water.

[0031] Example 1 discloses a field collection and filtration device for microplastics samples in water, such as... Figure 1As shown, the system includes a cylindrical body 1 and a filter tank 2. A water storage chamber 11 is provided inside the cylindrical body 1, and an installation port 12 communicating with the water storage chamber 11 is opened at the top of the cylindrical body 1. The filter tank 2 is sealed and connected to the installation port 12, and a filter layer 21 located at the installation port 12 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the filter tank 2. A first pipe 3 communicating with the water storage chamber 11 is connected to the side wall of the cylindrical body 1, and a first valve 31 is installed on the first pipe 3.

[0032] Furthermore, the filter tank 2 is detachably connected to the mounting port 12, and a sealing ring 9 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the filter tank 2. The sealing ring 9 fits against the edge of the mounting port 12 to form a seal between the cylinder 1 and the filter tank 2.

[0033] Specifically, the filter layer 21 can be a stainless steel screen or a PC filter membrane. The sealing ring 9 can be made of flexible materials such as rubber or silicone.

[0034] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the sealing ring 9 is fixed to the bottom of the filter tank 2 by adhesive bonding. Connecting protrusions 10 are fixedly connected to the mounting port 12 and the top of the filter tank 2, respectively. An annular groove 91 is provided at the bottom of the sealing ring 9 for the connecting protrusions 10 to insert into. When installing the filter tank 2, the connecting protrusions 10 are inserted into the annular groove 91 for connection and positioning. When assembling the on-site collection and filtration device for microplastic samples in water, a single filter tank 2 can be connected to the end of the cylinder 1, or multiple filter tanks 2 can be stacked by inserting their connecting protrusions 10 into the annular groove 91. The stacked filter tanks 2 are then installed on the mounting port 12 to achieve multi-stage filtration. The detachable connection between the cylinder 1 and the filter tank 2 facilitates on-site assembly.

[0035] Example 2 discloses another on-site collection and filtration device for microplastic samples in water, such as... Figure 2 As shown, a mobile power supply and a vacuum pump (not shown in the figure) are added to the basis of embodiment 1. A second pipe 4 connected to the water storage chamber 11 is connected to the side wall of the cylinder 1. A second valve 41 is connected to the second pipe 4. The second pipe 4 is located above the first pipe 3. A vacuum pump is detachably connected to the end of the second pipe 4 away from the cylinder 1. The vacuum pump is electrically connected to the mobile power supply.

[0036] When using the filtration device, a vacuum pump extracts gas from the water storage chamber 11 to create a negative pressure environment. Under this negative pressure, the water sample quickly passes through the filter layer 21 and flows into the water storage chamber 11, thereby improving filtration efficiency. The vacuum pump, when used with a portable power source, can be used in outdoor environments without an external power source, enhancing the device's portability and applicability.

[0037] Example 3 discloses another on-site collection and filtration device for microplastics in water, based on Example 2, such as... Figure 3As shown, it also includes a controller (not shown in the figure), a pressure sensor 5 and a level sensor 6 are connected inside the water storage chamber 11, a water pump 7 is connected to the end of the second pipe 4, a second valve 41 is located between the water pump 7 and the cylinder 1, the first valve 31 and the second valve 41 are set as one-way valves, the one-way valves restrict fluid from entering the water storage chamber 11, and the pressure sensor 5, the level sensor 6, the vacuum pump 8 and the water pump 7 are electrically connected to the controller and the mobile power supply.

[0038] Specifically, the controller initializes the air pressure threshold and liquid level preset range, and the mobile power supply powers all components. Air pressure sensor 5 and liquid level sensor 6 collect real-time air pressure and liquid level information within the water storage chamber 11 and transmit it to the controller. The controller adjusts the operating power of vacuum pump 8 and water pump 7 based on the monitoring data to ensure a stable and efficient filtration process and reduce manual intervention. Air pressure sensor 5 and liquid level sensor 6 enable real-time monitoring of the internal state of the water storage chamber 11, improving the automation level of the device. The one-way valve effectively prevents fluid backflow, avoids pressure imbalance within the water storage chamber 11, and ensures normal operation of the device.

[0039] Example 4 discloses a method for on-site collection and filtration of microplastic samples in water, which can be applied to the filtration devices of Example 1 or Example 2, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the specific steps are as follows: S1. Fill the water storage chamber 11 with a first preset amount of water so that the water surface covers the liquid inlet end of the first pipe 3. Specifically, prepare and assemble the filter device, check that all parts are tightly connected, and ensure there is no leakage. Close the first valve 31, inject a first preset amount of water into the water storage chamber 11 inside the cylinder 1, and confirm that the water level completely covers the liquid inlet end of the first pipe 3. Install the filter tank 2 on the installation port 12. In some optional embodiments, plastic wrap can be wrapped around the connection between the cylinder 1 and the filter tank 2 to improve the sealing effect.

[0040] S2. Pour the water to be sampled into the filter tank 2 and open the first valve 31.

[0041] Specifically, the water to be sampled is slowly poured into the filter tank 2, while the first valve 31 on the first pipe 3 is opened (when applied to the filter device of Example 2, the second valve 41 is closed). After being filtered by the filter layer 21, the water sample flows into the water storage chamber 11, and the water in the water storage chamber 11 is continuously discharged through the first pipe 3, keeping the water sample pouring speed and the drainage speed basically the same. After all the required volume of water sample has been filtered, the pouring of water sample is stopped, the first valve 31 is closed, and the microplastic sample on the filter layer 21 is collected.

[0042] A first preset amount of water is injected into the water storage chamber 11 inside the cylinder 1. Utilizing the water seal principle, as the water in the water storage chamber 11 is continuously discharged, negative pressure is provided to the water storage chamber 11, thereby improving filtration efficiency and ensuring the smoothness of the filtration process. The filtration process does not require an external power source, saving energy, reducing sampling costs, and improving the portability of the device.

[0043] Example 5 discloses another method for on-site collection and filtration of microplastic samples in water, applied to the filtration device of Example 2, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the specific steps are as follows: B1. Close the first valve 31, open the second valve 41, and start the vacuum pump 8; Specifically, prepare and assemble the filter device, check that all parts are tightly connected, and ensure that there is no air leakage at any sealing point. Close the first valve 31, open the second valve 41, and start the vacuum pump 8. The vacuum pump 8 provides negative pressure to the water storage chamber 11 through the second pipe 4.

[0044] B2. Pour the water to be sampled into the filter tank 2. When the liquid level in the water storage chamber 11 is higher than the first preset water level, open the first valve 31, close the second valve 41 and the vacuum pump 8, and drain the water in the water storage chamber 11. B3. When the liquid level in the water storage chamber 11 is lower than the second preset water level, the system circulates back to B1.

[0045] By actively creating a negative pressure environment using a vacuum pump, the filtration speed is significantly improved, effectively solving the problem of long filtration times in traditional filtration methods. Liquid level control enables cyclical operation of filtration and drainage, eliminating the need for frequent disassembly of the device and improving sampling efficiency.

[0046] Example 6 discloses another method for on-site collection and filtration of microplastic samples in water, applied to the filtration device of Example 3, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the specific steps are as follows: F1. Collect air pressure and liquid level information in the water storage chamber 11; Specifically, prepare and assemble the filter device, checking that all connections are tight and ensuring no air leaks at any sealing points. Start the filter device, and power the controller, pressure sensor 5, level sensor 6, vacuum pump 8, and water pump 7 with a portable power source. Set the liquid level range threshold and pressure threshold within the controller. Pressure sensor 5 collects real-time pressure data within the water storage chamber 11, and level sensor 6 collects real-time liquid level data, transmitting the data to the controller.

[0047] F2. Control vacuum pump 8 and water pump 7 to start; Specifically, the controller issues commands to start the vacuum pump 8 and the water pump 7.

[0048] F3. Control the operating power of vacuum pump 8 and water pump 7 respectively according to the liquid level height information in water storage chamber 11 to maintain the liquid level height in water storage chamber 11 within the preset range. F4. When the air pressure information is lower than the air pressure threshold, control the vacuum pump 8 and water pump 7 to stop running.

[0049] Specifically, water to be sampled is poured into filter tank 2. The controller sends a command to start vacuum pump 8 and water pump 7, adjusting their operating power based on the received liquid level information. When the liquid level is below a preset range, the power of vacuum pump 8 is increased to reduce the air pressure in water storage chamber 11, increasing the pressure difference between the inside and outside, thereby improving sampling efficiency. When the liquid level is above the preset range, the power of water pump 7 is increased to accelerate drainage and maintain a stable liquid level. Air pressure information is continuously monitored. When the air pressure falls below a set threshold, indicating that filter layer 21 is blocked, the controller immediately stops vacuum pump 8 and water pump 7 to prevent device malfunction.

[0050] After filtration is complete, control vacuum pump 8 and water pump 7 to stop running and collect microplastic samples.

[0051] By applying the method of Example 6 to the filtration device of Example 3, fully automatic control of the filtration process is achieved, eliminating the need for real-time manual monitoring, reducing labor costs, and improving sampling accuracy. Dynamically adjusting the operating power of the vacuum pump 8 and water pump 7 allows for timely adjustments based on the internal state of the water storage chamber 11, ensuring filtration efficiency while saving energy.

[0052] The present invention also provides an electronic device, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the electronic device may include: a processor 51, a communication interface 52, a memory 53, and a communication bus 54, wherein the processor 51, the communication interface 52, and the memory 53 communicate with each other through the communication bus 54. The processor 51 can call the logical instructions in the memory 53 to execute the on-site collection and filtration method for water microplastic samples in Embodiment 6 above. The method includes: collecting air pressure information and liquid level information in the water storage chamber 11; controlling the vacuum pump 8 and the water pump 7 to start; controlling the operating power of the vacuum pump 8 and the water pump 7 respectively according to the liquid level information in the water storage chamber 11 to maintain the liquid level in the water storage chamber 11 within a preset range; and controlling the vacuum pump 8 and the water pump 7 to stop operating when the air pressure information is lower than the air pressure threshold.

[0053] The present invention also provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon. When executed by processor 51, the computer program is implemented to perform the above-described method for on-site collection and filtration of microplastic samples in water as described in Embodiment 6. The method includes: collecting air pressure information and liquid level information in the water storage chamber 11; controlling the start of vacuum pump 8 and water pump 7; controlling the operating power of vacuum pump 8 and water pump 7 according to the liquid level information in the water storage chamber 11 to maintain the liquid level in the water storage chamber 11 within a preset range; and controlling vacuum pump 8 and water pump 7 to stop operating when the air pressure information is lower than the air pressure threshold.

[0054] Where there is no conflict, the above embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other.

[0055] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for on-site collection and filtration of microplastic samples from water bodies, characterized in that: The device includes a cylindrical body and a filter tank. The cylindrical body has a water storage cavity, and the top of the cylindrical body has an installation port that communicates with the water storage cavity. The filter tank is sealed and connected to the installation port. The bottom of the filter tank is fixedly connected to a filter layer located at the installation port. The side wall of the cylindrical body is connected to a first pipe that communicates with the water storage cavity, and a first valve is connected to the first pipe.

2. The on-site collection and filtration device for microplastic samples in water as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The filter tank is detachably connected to the mounting port. A sealing ring is fixedly connected to the bottom of the filter tank. The sealing ring fits against the edge of the mounting port to form a seal between the cylinder and the filter tank.

3. The on-site collection and filtration device for microplastic samples in water as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a power bank, and a second pipe connected to the side wall of the cylinder and communicating with the water storage chamber is connected to the second pipe. The second pipe is located above the first pipe, and a vacuum pump is detachably connected to the end of the second pipe away from the cylinder. The vacuum pump is electrically connected to the power bank.

4. The on-site collection and filtration device for microplastic samples in water as described in claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a controller, a pressure sensor and a level sensor are connected inside the water storage chamber, a water pump is connected to the end of the second pipe, a second valve is located between the water pump and the cylinder, the first valve and the second valve are configured as one-way valves, the one-way valve restricts fluid from entering the water storage chamber, and the pressure sensor, level sensor, vacuum pump and water pump are electrically connected to the controller and the mobile power supply.

5. A method for on-site collection and filtration of microplastic samples in water, characterized in that: The device for on-site collection and filtration of microplastic samples in water bodies, as described in any one of claims 1-3, comprises the following steps: S1. Close the first valve and fill the water storage chamber with the first preset amount of water so that the water level covers the inlet end of the first pipe. S2. Pour the water to be sampled into the filter tank and open the first valve.

6. A method for on-site collection and filtration of microplastic samples from water bodies, characterized in that, The device for on-site collection and filtration of microplastic samples from water bodies, as described in claim 2 or 3, comprises the following steps: B1. Close the first valve, open the second valve, and start the vacuum pump; B2. Pour the water to be sampled into the filter tank. When the liquid level in the water storage chamber is higher than the first preset water level, open the first valve, close the second valve and the vacuum pump, and drain the water in the water storage chamber. The first preset water level is located below the inlet of the second valve. B3. When the liquid level in the water storage chamber is lower than the second preset water level, the cycle returns to B1.

7. A method for on-site collection and filtration of microplastic samples from water bodies, characterized in that, The device for on-site collection and filtration of microplastic samples in water as described in claim 4 includes: Collect air pressure and liquid level information within the water storage chamber; Control the start-up of the vacuum pump and water pump; The operating power of the vacuum pump and the water pump are controlled according to the liquid level information in the water storage chamber to maintain the liquid level in the water storage chamber within the preset range; When the air pressure information is lower than the air pressure threshold, the vacuum pump and water pump are controlled to stop running.

8. The method for on-site collection and filtration of microplastic samples in water according to claim 7, characterized in that, The step of controlling the operating power of the vacuum pump and the water pump respectively based on the liquid level information in the water storage chamber to maintain the liquid level in the water storage chamber within a first preset range includes: When the liquid level is below the preset range, increase the operating power of the vacuum pump; when the liquid level returns to the preset range, maintain the current power of the vacuum pump. When the liquid level is higher than the preset range, the operating power of the water pump is increased; when the liquid level returns to the preset range, the current power of the water pump is maintained.

9. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and running on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the on-site collection and filtration method for water microplastic samples as described in any one of claims 7 to 8.

10. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the on-site collection and filtration method for microplastic samples in water as described in any one of claims 7 to 8.

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