A device for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas

Abstract

This invention discloses a device for monitoring the microplastic deposition rate in mangrove areas. The device includes an open-topped outer cylinder, a collection chamber, and a funnel. The collection chamber is open at the top and located inside the outer cylinder. The edge of the funnel's funnel portion is joined to the inner wall of the outer cylinder, and the funnel's outlet is located above the collection chamber. The edge of the funnel's funnel portion is lower than the upper edge of the outer cylinder. This device can monitor the microplastic deposition rate over long periods in mangrove environments with different habitats, and has the advantages of simple structure and convenient operation. Simultaneously monitoring the microplastic deposition rate, the device can indirectly calculate the resuspension rate of microplastic particles by adding a funnel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of environmental protection and ecological monitoring technology, specifically relating to a device for monitoring the microplastic deposition rate in mangrove areas. Background Technology

[0002] Mangroves are an important component of coastal wetlands, playing vital ecological roles such as shoreline protection and disaster mitigation, water purification, and biodiversity maintenance. As a barrier and buffer zone for the ocean, mangroves' extensive root systems and branches not only weaken waves and turbulence but also act as filters, intercepting plastic waste carried into the sea by runoff. Plastic waste can break down into plastic fragments and microplastics (MPs) through sunlight, weathering, and biological processes. Simultaneously, the slow water flow in mangroves facilitates the sedimentation of organic debris and particulate matter. Furthermore, due to the tidal flooding of mangrove soils, poor soil aeration and slow decomposition of organic matter lead 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 pollution status of microplastics in mangrove ecosystems can provide theoretical support for microplastic pollution control and ecological risk assessment, and offer a scientific basis for establishing ecological health risk assessment models.

[0003] Currently, monitoring methods for mangrove microplastic deposition rates are limited, primarily relying on calculating deposition rates by measuring differences in microplastic abundance at regular intervals. These traditional methods, which rely on manually sampled microplastic abundance to reflect deposition rates, are inefficient, inaccurate, and difficult to implement for long-term continuous monitoring. Furthermore, these methods do not consider the resuspension process during microplastic deposition, leading to discrepancies between the deposition rate calculated from microplastic abundance differences and the actual deposition rate. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a simple, convenient, widely applicable, and long-term-capable microplastic deposition rate monitoring device. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a device for monitoring the deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas. On one hand, it solves the problem of microplastic resuspension that is ignored when traditional methods calculate deposition rate based on differences in microplastic abundance. On the other hand, it enables the monitoring of microplastic deposition rate in mangrove areas. Using this device, the deposition rate of microplastics in mangroves can be monitored quickly and accurately. At the same time, by adding a funnel, the resuspension of microplastics in mangrove areas can be monitored indirectly. It also has the advantage of being easy to operate.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A device for monitoring the rate of microplastic deposition in mangrove areas includes 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 located inside the outer cylinder. The edge of the funnel 3 is joined to the inner wall of the outer cylinder, and the outlet of the funnel 3 is located above the collection chamber 7. The edge of the funnel 3 is lower than the upper edge of the outer cylinder. The funnel can prevent microplastic resuspension while collecting sediment.

[0006] Preferably, the funnel 3 is a neckless funnel.

[0007] Preferably, a piezoelectric ceramic plate is fixedly connected to the outer side of the funnel 3, and the piezoelectric ceramic plate is electrically connected to the control system. During monitoring, the piezoelectric ceramic plate can be controlled to emit low-frequency sound waves at intervals to dislodge the deposits adhering to the funnel, thus solving the problem of mangrove high-organic-matter deposits clogging the funnel outlet.

[0008] Preferably, the outer cylinder is divided into an upper outer cylinder 2 and a lower outer cylinder 1. Flanges 4 are provided on the lower edge of the upper outer cylinder 2, the upper edge of the lower outer cylinder 1, and the outer edge of the funnel 3. The upper outer cylinder 2, the funnel 3, and the lower outer cylinder 1 are connected by the flanges 4. The detachable structure makes the installation and cleaning of the device more convenient.

[0009] Preferably, the funnel 3 is an eccentric funnel, and there are n collection chambers 7, where n is a positive integer. All collection chambers 7 are arranged on a rotating tray, and the collection chambers 7 are evenly distributed around the center of the rotating tray. A rotary motor is connected to the lower center of the rotating tray, and the rotary motor is electrically connected to the control system. A cover is horizontally arranged between the collection chamber 7 and the outlet of the funnel 3, and the cover covers the openings of all collection chambers 7. An opening is made on the cover corresponding to the collection chamber 7 directly below the funnel 3. The rotary motor controls the rotating tray to rotate the collection chambers. Within a set time range, only one collection chamber 7 can collect the settled microplastics, allowing the user to understand the settling rate of microplastic particles within different time ranges, thus achieving the purpose of long-term continuous monitoring.

[0010] Preferably, there are four collection chambers 7.

[0011] Preferably, the diameter of the outer cylinder is 300mm and the height of the outer cylinder is 300~330mm.

[0012] Preferably, the outer diameter of the flange 4 is 330 mm.

[0013] Preferably, the flange 4 is provided with screw holes 5.

[0014] In use, the device for monitoring the microplastic deposition rate in mangrove areas is used, and filtered seawater is poured into the device. The device is placed in the bottom sediment of the monitoring area, so that the upper edge of the outer cylinder of the device is flush with the surface of the bottom sediment. The time for the seawater to submerge 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 this utility model are as follows: (1) The funnel structure adopted in this utility model 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 to protect the deposited sample from the migration behavior of other surrounding materials.

[0018] (4) The device of this utility model can be applied to various habitats of mangroves. Even when the sedimentation rate monitoring device is exposed to the air during low tide, the outer cylinder and funnel structure can effectively protect the sedimentation sample from loss.

[0019] (5) The device of this invention can monitor the total deposition rate of microplastics in mangrove areas and the net deposition rate after resuspension by adding a funnel.

[0020] (6) The device of this utility model can collect microplastic particles at different time ranges by controlling the rotating tray, so as to achieve the purpose of long-term continuous monitoring.

[0021] (7) The device of this utility model has a simple structure, is easy to replace, disassemble and clean, and is suitable for large-scale application.

[0022] (8) The method of this utility model is easy to operate and is suitable for large-scale production applications.

[0023] (9) The device and method of this utility model are suitable for in-situ collection and can accurately reflect the microplastic sedimentation status of the monitoring area. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the device for monitoring the microplastic deposition rate in mangrove areas.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a top view of the collection bin and the rotary motor (the rotary tray is not shown).

[0026] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the cover plate structure.

[0027] Figure 4 Microscopic images of deposited microplastics collected for Example 2.

[0028] Figure 5 Microscopic infrared spectral images of deposited microplastics collected for Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[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 plate, 7 is the collection chamber, 8 is the rotary motor, 9 is the cover plate, and 10 is the opening. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments, and will be further described in detail. Examples are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0031] It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes 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 numbers in the accompanying drawings represent the same or similar elements. Furthermore, it should be understood that after reading the teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art can make various alterations or modifications to the invention, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0032] Example 1 like Figure 1-3 The device shown is for monitoring the rate of microplastic deposition in mangrove areas. It includes an open-topped outer cylinder, a collection chamber 7, and a funnel 3. The collection chamber 7 is open at the top and disposed inside the outer cylinder. The edge of the funnel 3 is joined to the inner wall of the outer cylinder, and the outlet of the funnel 3 is located above the collection chamber 7. The edge of the funnel 3 is lower than the upper edge of the outer cylinder. The funnel can collect sediment while preventing microplastic resuspension.

[0033] The funnel 3 is a neckless funnel.

[0034] A piezoelectric ceramic plate is fixedly connected to the outer side of the funnel 3, and the piezoelectric ceramic plate is electrically connected to the control system. During monitoring, the piezoelectric ceramic plate can be controlled to emit low-frequency sound waves at intervals to shake off the deposits adhering to the funnel, thus solving the problem of mangrove high-organic-matter deposits clogging the funnel outlet.

[0035] The outer cylinder is divided into an upper outer cylinder 2 and a lower outer cylinder 1. The lower edge of the upper outer cylinder 2, the upper edge of the lower outer cylinder 1, and the outer edge of the funnel 3 are all provided with flanges 4. The upper outer cylinder 2, the funnel 3, and the lower outer cylinder 1 are connected by flanges 4. The detachable structure makes the device setup and cleaning more convenient.

[0036] The funnel 3 is an eccentric funnel, and there are n collection chambers 7, where n is a positive integer. All collection chambers 7 are arranged on a rotating tray, and the collection chambers 7 are evenly distributed around the center of the rotating tray. A rotary motor is connected to the lower center of the rotating tray, and the rotary motor is electrically connected to the control system. A cover is horizontally installed between the collection chamber 7 and the outlet of the funnel 3, and the cover covers all the openings of the collection chambers 7. The cover has an opening corresponding to the collection chamber 7 directly below the funnel 3. The rotary motor controls the rotating tray to rotate the collection chambers. Within a set time range, only one collection chamber 7 can collect the settled microplastics, allowing users to understand the settling rate of microplastic particles in different time ranges, thus achieving the purpose of long-term continuous monitoring.

[0037] There are 4 collection chambers 7.

[0038] The outer cylinder has a diameter of 300mm, a height of 30mm at the top, and a height of 300mm at the bottom.

[0039] The outer diameter of flange 4 is 330 mm.

[0040] The flange 4 is provided with screw holes 5.

[0041] In use, the device for monitoring the microplastic deposition rate in mangrove areas is used, and filtered seawater is poured into the device; the device is placed in the bottom sediment of the monitoring area, so that the upper edge of the outer cylinder of the device is flush with the surface of the bottom sediment, 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 top of the outer cylinder to the funnel 3 under the influence of gravity. Microplastics that settle in a non-vertical direction can also enter the funnel 3 through the top of the outer cylinder and collect in the collection chamber 7.

[0043] During use, the control system causes the piezoelectric ceramic sheet to emit low-frequency sound waves at intervals, shaking off the deposited material that adheres to the funnel-shaped sheet, thus preventing the funnel outlet from becoming blocked.

[0044] According to the research needs, the rotating pallet is controlled by the rotating motor through the control system at specific time points, so that different collection chambers are located below the opening 10, so as to collect microplastic particles in different time ranges.

[0045] After the monitoring is completed, the deposition rate of microplastics in the monitored 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, reducing the impact of horizontal migration of microplastics, improving analysis and detection efficiency, and meeting the needs of long-term monitoring.

[0047] Example 2 The same mangrove area microplastic deposition rate monitoring device as in Example 1 was used, except that a rotary motor and a rotary tray were not used; only one collection chamber 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 any microplastic contaminants that may be present on the surface of each component.

[0049] After all components have been rinsed, the device is assembled.

[0050] Filtered seawater is injected into the device, and then the device is placed in the bottom sediment of the monitoring area so that the upper edge of the outer cylinder of the device is flush with the surface of the bottom sediment. The time when the seawater submerges the device is recorded as the initial monitoring time.

[0051] During monitoring, low-frequency sound waves are emitted intermittently by controlling the piezoelectric ceramic sheet to shake off the deposits adhering to the funnel, thus preventing blockage of the funnel outlet.

[0052] When monitoring ends and retrieval is completed, remove the contents from the collection chamber. Sediment is collected and a sediment sample is obtained for later use. After cleaning, the microplastic deposition rate monitoring device is returned to the monitoring area to continue collecting deposited microplastics.

[0053] The obtained sediment samples containing microplastics were subjected to microplastic separation through suspension and digestion. The separated supernatant was passed through a 0.22 μm filter membrane, which enriched the microplastics and other particles. Subsequently, the samples were initially observed under a microscope and further analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to determine the type and quantity of microplastics.

[0054] Analysis results as follows Figure 4 , 5 As shown.

[0055] Other embodiments will come to mind for those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed utility model. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the utility model that follow the general principles of the utility model and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A device for monitoring the rate of microplastic deposition in a mangrove area, characterized by, It includes an outer cylinder with an open top, a collection chamber (7), and a funnel (3). The top of the collection chamber (7) is open and is located inside the outer cylinder. The edge of the funnel (3) is joined to the inner wall of the outer cylinder. The outlet of the funnel (3) is located above the collection chamber (7). The edge of the funnel (3) is lower than the upper edge of the outer cylinder.

2. The device for monitoring the microplastic deposition rate in a mangrove area according to claim 1, characterized in that, The funnel (3) is a neckless funnel.

3. The device for monitoring the rate of microplastic deposition in a mangrove area according to claim 1, wherein, A piezoelectric ceramic sheet is fixedly connected to the outer side of the funnel (3), and the piezoelectric ceramic sheet is electrically connected to the control system.

4. The device for monitoring the microplastic deposition rate in a mangrove area according to claim 1, wherein, The outer cylinder is divided into an upper part (2) and a lower part (1). The lower edge of the upper part (2), the upper edge of the lower part (1) and the outer edge of the funnel (3) are all provided with flanges (4). The upper part (2), the funnel (3) and the lower part (1) are connected by flanges (4).

5. The device for monitoring the microplastic deposition rate in a mangrove area according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the flange (4) is 330 mm.

6. The device for monitoring the microplastic deposition rate in a mangrove area according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flange (4) is provided with screw holes (5).

7. The device for monitoring the rate of microplastic deposition in a mangrove area according to claim 1, wherein, The funnel (3) is an eccentric funnel. There are n collection chambers (7), where n is a positive integer. All the collection chambers (7) are set on a rotating tray. The collection chambers (7) are evenly distributed around the center of the rotating tray. A rotating motor is connected to the center of the rotating tray. The rotating motor is electrically connected to the control system. A cover (9) is horizontally set between the collection chamber (7) and the outlet of the funnel (3). The cover (9) covers the openings of all the collection chambers (7). An opening is made on the cover (9) corresponding to the collection chamber (7) directly below the funnel (3).

8. The device for monitoring the microplastic deposition rate in a mangrove area according to claim 7, characterized in that, There are 4 collection bins (7).

9. The device for monitoring the rate of microplastic deposition in a mangrove area according to claim 1, wherein, The outer cylinder has a diameter of 300mm and a height of 300~330mm.

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