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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation
Turner-Fairbank logo
OFFICE OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND TECHNOLOGY AT THE TURNER-FAIRBANK HIGHWAY RESEARCH CENTER

Autonomous, In-Situ Fugitive Microplastic Detector and Datalogger: Phase I

Project Information

Project ID:
FHWA-PROJ-17-0029
Project Abstract:

Recyclers of plastics see road construction as an ideal outlet for microplastic refuse, ideally binding unwanted plastic into a solid matrix that improves the performance of the nation’s highways. Despite the seeming attractiveness of recycled plastic as an asphalt improver, there is trepidation over systematically spreading the chemical constituents of plastics over large geographic areas. Therefore, an innovative technique is necessary to assess the particular concentration of microplastics entering the environment in various size ranges, both via the aerosol (dust) route, and the first-flush runoff route. Proposed in this Phase I project is a continuous monitor of first-flush aqueous and airborne particulate to quantitate road wear particles by composition, plastic content, and size.

Project Status:
Completed
Project Funding Amount (Contract Award Amount):
$149,837.00
Start Date:
End Date:
Public Access Plan:
Yes
FHWA Program Area:
  • Small Business Innovation Research
Fiscal Year / AMRP Program / AMRP Activity:
  • FY 2002-2022 / Infrastructure / Pavements and Materials

AMRP = Annual Modal Research Plan

Contact Information

Team:
Infrastructure Materials Team
Office:
Office of Infrastructure Research and Development
Office Code:
HRDI-10

Management Organizations