Hidden microplastic pollution in Swiss waters uncovered
EPFL researchers developed an AI-based method that can detect and classify microplastics as small as 5 µm in Lake Geneva and surrounding rivers. The technique revealed that concentrations of 1–100 µm particles may have been underestimated by more than 650‑fold, with six of 38 samples exceeding ecotoxicological thresholds. The method uses two algorithms to separate microplastics from biological material and classify them into six polymer categories.
EPFL researchers developed an AI-based method that can detect and classify microplastics as small as 5 µm in Lake Geneva and surrounding rivers. The technique revealed that concentrations of 1–100 µm particles may have been underestimated by more than 650‑fold, with six of 38 samples exceeding ecotoxicological thresholds. The method uses two algorithms to separate microplastics from biological material and classify them into six polymer categories.
The study demonstrates the application of Swiss AI expertise to improve environmental monitoring and assess pollution risks in Swiss waters.
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