MESMERISING project, presented by Luís Rosado PhD André Barrancos, and hosted by the Instituto de Telecomunicações, has been recognized as one of three winners of the prestigious TransforMAR award. This accolade, promoted by LIFE SeaBIL and the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA), celebrates initiatives dedicated to reducing marine litter's impact on coastal and marine ecosystems.

SPEA’s mission focuses on mitigating the harmful effects of marine debris on seabirds while fostering environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Key objectives include monthly data collection on the Berlengas archipelago, monitoring seabird populations, and collaborating with scientists, authorities, and regulators to devise effective solutions.

The MESMERISING project is at the forefront of technological innovation, aiming to develop advanced systems for real-time microplastic monitoring in aquatic environments. Utilizing cutting-edge electromagnetic sensors and microfluidic devices, the project seeks to detect and characterize microplastics as they flow through microscopic channels. Data from these processes are analysed using sophisticated electronic systems and signal processing techniques, enabling accurate, compact, and energy-efficient solutions for environmental monitoring and policy enhancement.

TransforMAR program is an initiative led by Lidl Portugal in collaboration with Electrão, the Portuguese Navy, and Brigada do Mar. Supported by the Associação Bandeira Azul de Ambiente e Educação (ABAAE), the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), and Quercus, TransforMAR has made a remarkable impact since 2018 by collecting over 253 tons of plastic and metal waste from Portuguese beaches, seas, and rivers. These materials are transformed into resources that benefit local communities, highlighting the program's commitment to environmental sustainability.

Project: https://www.it.pt/Projects/Index/4910

News: https://www.lidl.pt/c/transformar/s10027625