The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University

Published purpose

The Project goals are to optimize the design of the McGill University innovation, nanodigital inline holography microscopy (AI-Nano-DIHM), such that it can be portable and deliver accurate results in real-time, remote settings of nano and microplastic detection, and four-dimensional physicochemical capability that is necessary to enable more precise identification of pollution hotspots and enhance the remediation and recycling of nano- and microplastic pollution, both in Canada and globally. Existing commercial technologies must support in situ, real-time detection while also providing physicochemical information. Despite the availability of numerous research technologies, there remains an unmet need for real-time and in-situ, four-dimensional physicochemical analysis of nano/microplastic particles. The team will conduct tests and comparisons with input from several independent stakeholders and develop data needed for modelling and sound policy. This Project will enable the further development and commercialization of the AI-Nano-DIHM technology, addressing critical environmental challenges.