Tiny plastic fragments that result from the breakdown of larger plastic products are found in waterways across the nation.  While scientists continue to explore their toxicity to human health, the concentration of microplastics in our drinking water continues to rise.  Flooding hazards, by which Vermont communities are too often threatened, introduce significant, additional microplastics into our water supply.

Microbots, or very small robots, might provide a unique solution to microplastics in our drinking water.  Microbots can be designed to navigate through drinking water using a remote magnetic controller or through catalytic chemical decomposition.  Once the microbots have collected enough microplastics, they can be removed from the water magnetically and the plastics discarded.  This process may be useful for other hazards in the water, such as viruses, bacteria, or heavy metals.  This partnership will redesign microbot technology to develop a prototype to perform the urgent task of microplastic removal.

Dr. Louis Rogowski of Applied Research Associates (ARA) in Randolph Vermont works on developing microrobotic solutions for medical and environmental challenges.  He is partnering with Dr. Laura Treers of UVM’s College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences to develop a conceptual device to remove microplastics from aquatic ecosystems.  The project is engaging Dr. Treer’s students in microrobotic technology development, research and community outreach.  The partners aim to develop a functional prototype to clean up Vermont watersheds affected by climate hazards and to remove toxic microplastic contaminants.