Artificial intelligence-empowered collection and characterization of microplastics: A review

Microplastics have been detected from water and soil systems extensively, with increasing evidence indicating their detrimental impacts on human and animal health. Concerns surrounding microplastic pollution have spurred the development of advanced collection and characterization methods for studying the size, abundance, distribution, chemical composition, and environmental impacts. This paper offers a comprehensive review of artificial intelligence (AI)-empowered technologies for the collection and characterization of microplastics. A framework is presented to streamline efforts in utilizing emerging robotics and machine learning technologies for collecting, processing, and characterizing microplastics. The review encompasses a range of AI technologies, delineating their principles, strengths, limitations, representative applications, and technology readiness levels, facilitating the selection of suitable AI technologies for mitigating microplastic pollution. New opportunities for future research and development on integrating robots and machine learning technologies are discussed to facilitate future efforts for mitigating microplastic pollution and advancing AI technologies. Environmental Implication Microplastics are hazardous materials because they cause various health problems to animals and humans. Marine organisms can mistake microplastics for food. Microplastics adsorb and carry pollutants in water, accumulate toxins, and aggravate water pollution. Microplastics enter the food chain via seafood and drinking water. Microplastic ingestion causes abrasive effects, inflammation or reproductive issues, developmental problems, and immune responses.This paper reviews artificial intelligence-empowered technologies employed in the collection and characterization of microplastics. A framework is presented to integrate efforts for collecting, processing, and characterizing microplastics. Emerging robots and machine learning technologies are reviewed to promote research on mitigating microplastics pollutions.