We repeat the calibration trials for the microplastic sampler onboard R/V Ángeles Alvariño

On the first days of december we repeated the microplastic sampler calibration test onboard the oceanographic vessel Ángeles Alvariño of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography. We had the chance to go together with the colleagues from the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) in its biannual oceanographic campaign to the Station of Temporary Oceanic Series of the Canary Islands (ESTOC).

This collaboration allowed us once again to test the improvements of the microplastic sampling device for opportunity vessels that we are developing. Thus, one of the fundamental tests consisted of the repetition of the calibration, ensuring, among other parameters, what is the minimum sampling time and volume required for a validated performance.

The sampling prototype, which can be operated at the time that the oceanographic vessel navigates without interfering with its course or speed, was launched both on the routes from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to ESTOC (and back), and at several stations (at the oceanic point in ESTOC and three stations at the PLOCAN Test Site, near the coast).

The procedures followed were the same as in the previous campaign, in march of this year, so that we are expecting to get results of the comparison among the two calibration trials in order to analyze the propotipe performance.