Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Microplastic and Litter

Monitoring the characteristics of microplastics and litter in the coastal environment of the Western Cape, South Africa

Microplastic Ecotoxicology

Ecotoxicological impacts of microplastics on marine and coastal organisms

Technology and Innovation related to Microplastics

Innovation solutions to reducing microplastic release from fabrics in laundry systems (ReduMicro)

Microplastics in Aquaculture Systems

Microplastic in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis and Choromytilus meridionalis) from marine aquaculture systems in Saldanha Bay

Microplastics and Human Health

Effects of microplastics on cardiometabolic risk factors using in vitro models

Plastics: Remote Observations and Sensing

Plastic detection using satellite images, remote observations and AI segmentation tools

Ocean Accounts (OA)

CPUT is a member of the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership (GOAP). Research and projects focus on data concerning environmental assets, economic activity, flow to economy, flows to the environment and social and governance conditions/contexts. The CSO is particularly focusing on plastics in OA. These projects will contribute towards ocean sustainable development to enable evidence-based decision-making relating to spatial planning and ocean governance.

Post graduate students

The CSO hosts numerous post graduate students in various projects

CPUT Microplastics Laboratory (CML) capacity and facilities

The CML is a dedicated laboratory that has the capacity to digest samples and extract microplastics from aqueous solutions, sediment and biota. The lab has a Perkin2 (ATR-FTIR) spectrophotometer with a library of more than 15000 polymers.

Laboratory Equipment/Material:

PerkinElmer Spectrum2 ATR-FTIR Spectrophotometer

Stereomicroscopes

Ovens

Orbital Shaker

Portable water parameter meter

Water quality testing kits

Vacuum pumps

Extraction hood

Benchtop meters

Solid phase extraction (SPE) manifold

Ultra-pure water purification system