Exploring the Potential of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles for Microplastic Detection in Marine Environments: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Highlights: What are the main findings? AUVs are an attractive platform for in situ detection of microplastics (MPs), although the current applications remain underdeveloped. Although AUV-based MP monitoring is still in its early development stages, the rise of new technologies such as hyperspectral imaging (HSI), electrochemical sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted optical systems creates opportunities for future in situ applications. What is the implication of the main finding? The progress of miniaturized, rugged and automated sensors will allow AUVs to map large-scale MP distributions efficiently. Integrating sophisticated detection technologies onto an AUV could improve MP marine pollution monitoring capabilities. AUVs offer the potential for in situ MP detection at constant, pre-set depths in marine environments. By carrying onboard MP detectors, AUVs can serve as alternatives to traditional methods of sample collection, processing, and analysis, while also addressing the inefficiencies and complexities associated with conventional detection procedures. This study conducts a comprehensive review of existing and potential MP detection methods that can be integrated with AUVs for in situ detection. In particular, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, this review analyzes selected studies on MP detection using AUVs. It finds that real-time, in situ MP detection via AUVs or multi-AUV systems remains underdeveloped. Key challenges include deep-sea communication, sensor integration, and underwater durability. The review highlights the current advances, research gaps, and future directions for AUV-based MP detection technologies.