Triple Ring Technologies And Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Collaborate With EPA Grant To Capture Microplastics In Water

Newark, CA /PRNewswire/ - Triple Ring Technologies and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) are collaborating to solve an unmet need in environmental sensing -- the delivery of a wearable microplastic sensor that measures the number of plastic particles quantified in the water. A comprehensive understanding of microplastic pollution is severely hampered by the lack of cost-effective, robust, accurate and rapid analysis techniques. There is an urgent need for such metrics to inform the public and policy makers, and to design and manage effective strategies to curb plastic pollution in the world's waters.The sensor can be read in minutes and ensures maximum productive use of sampling time on site, while at the same time it can be used in a laboratory environment to significantly speed up sample testing.

The core technology was developed at WHOI in the laboratory of Dr. Anna Michel , Associate Scientist, Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, developed together with PhD student Beckett Colson. Triple Ring Technologies, led by Dr. Sheila Hemami , Senior Director Growth Initiatives. To advance the technology, Triple Ring Technologies has received a Phase I SBIR grant from the Environmental Protection Agency entitled "A fieldable, portable, reagent-free microplastic sensor enabling rapid readout and modular operation" and will work with WHOI to achieve the carry out the grant.

Dr. Hemami and Dr. Michel believe that this new tool will enable a simple and widespread assessment of microplastic pollution in watercourses, sewage, rainwater and other applications where the presence of microplastics is a concern. "Combining WHOI's core sensing technology with Triple Ring's experience in providing integrated products will greatly enhance understanding of microplastic pollution and drive data-based solutions to mitigate pollution," said Dr. Hemami.

Dr. Michel added: “My lab is particularly interested in developing technologies that allow us to reliably count the number of microplastics in drinking water, ponds, lakes and oceans. We need field-ready sensors that can give us this information so we can understand microplastic pollution."

About Triple Ring Technologies Triple Ring Technologies is a co-development company headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices in Boston , Toronto and Copenhagen. They work with clients in the medical technology, life sciences, and sustainability and environmental sectors to develop new technologies, launch innovative projects and found new companies. Her skills span early R&D, product development, manufacturing, regulatory approvals, market access, strategic investments and incubation. For more information, please visit www.tripleringtech.com .

About the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is a private, non-profit organization in Cape Cod, Massachusetts dedicated to marine exploration, engineering and higher education. The groundbreaking discoveries of the WHOI are based on an ideal combination of science and technology. WHOI is known for its multidisciplinary approach, excellence in ship operations and unparalleled capabilities in deep-sea robotics. For more information, please visit www.whoi.edu .