Electro-Microfluidic Sensor for Quantitative Detection of Microplastics in Saline Freshwater

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dc.contributor.advisorRezai, Pouya
dc.contributor.authorWarraich, Haider Tahir
dc.date.accessioned2025-04-10T10:56:06Z
dc.date.available2025-04-10T10:56:06Z
dc.date.copyright2024-12-13
dc.date.issued2025-04-10
dc.date.updated2025-04-10T10:56:05Z
dc.degree.disciplineMechanical Engineering
dc.degree.levelMaster's
dc.degree.nameMASc - Master of Applied Science
dc.description.abstractThis thesis investigates a DC microfluidic sensor incorporating a Wheatstone bridge and MXene-coated microwires to detect and quantify microplastics in freshwater with varied salinity. The study addresses the limitations of traditional detection methods, particularly in higher freshwater salinity where microplastics exhibit reduced electrophoretic mobility. The sensor's performance was evaluated across a range of microplastic concentrations (1–25 ppm) suspended in saline solution with varying NaCl concentrations (0–1000 ppm) to assess sensitivity and detection limits. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in electrical resistance as microplastics accumulated at the anode, indicating successful detection at lower salinities. However, at higher salt concentrations, microplastic accumulation and sensor sensitivity declined. Modifications, including constant current application and MXene functionalization, enhanced accumulation rates, and detection performance. Future research is required to investigate diverse microplastic types, shapes, and biological interferences to improve real-world applicability. This work provides a foundation for low-cost, sensitive microplastic detection in aquatic environments.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10315/42861
dc.languageen
dc.rightsAuthor owns copyright, except where explicitly noted. Please contact the author directly with licensing requests.
dc.subject.keywordsMicroplastics
dc.subject.keywordsMicrofluidic sensors
dc.subject.keywordsSaline freshwater
dc.subject.keywordsElectrophoretic accumulation
dc.subject.keywordsWheatstone bridge
dc.subject.keywordsMXene-coated wires
dc.subject.keywordsEnvironmental monitoring
dc.subject.keywordsQuantitative detection
dc.subject.keywordsSalinity effects
dc.subject.keywordsMicroplastic concentration
dc.subject.keywordsParticle size detection
dc.subject.keywordsPolystyrene microplastics
dc.subject.keywordsSaltwater contamination
dc.subject.keywordsElectrical resistance measurement
dc.subject.keywordsFreshwater pollution
dc.subject.keywordsSensor optimization
dc.subject.keywordsNanomaterials
dc.subject.keywordsSensor sensitivity
dc.subject.keywordsEnvironmental contaminants
dc.subject.keywordsElectro-microfluidic technology
dc.subject.keywordsMicroplastic adsorption
dc.subject.keywordsAquatic ecosystems
dc.subject.keywordsNumerical modeling
dc.subject.keywordsMicroplastic quantification
dc.subject.keywordsMicrochannel design
dc.subject.keywordsConductive double layer
dc.subject.keywordsFluid dynamics
dc.subject.keywordsElectrical conductivity
dc.subject.keywordsSalt concentration
dc.subject.keywordsPoint-of-need detection
dc.subject.keywordsEnvironmental sensing
dc.subject.keywordsSaline environments
dc.titleElectro-Microfluidic Sensor for Quantitative Detection of Microplastics in Saline Freshwater
dc.typeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation

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