The 77th annual Pittcon Conference + Exposition is currently hosting the brightest minds in scientific instrumentation, and the iMERMAID project is at the forefront. This week, our partner, the BioSense Institute, shared breakthrough results regarding the detection of chemical pollution in the Mediterranean Sea.

Bridging the Lab and the Ocean
Representing the iMERMAID consortium, Boris Brkic presented a poster detailing the “Use Case Pilot Study: In-field Identification of Oil Spills in the Mediterranean Sea using Portable Mass Spectrometry.”

The focus of the presentation was the Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry (MIMS) sensor—a technology that BioSense has specifically designed, developed, and optimized within the framework of the iMERMAID project. Unlike traditional methods that require samples to be sent to a distant lab, this portable system allows for the immediate identification of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) directly in the water.

Proven in the Field: Use Case 4
The data shared at Pittcon 2026 stems from rigorous testing in Cyprus (Use Case 4). To ensure the technology can withstand the “real world,” it was deployed in:

  • Two port environments, where high traffic and human activity create complex monitoring needs.
  • An open-sea buoy, where the equipment must endure waves, salt, and unpredictable weather.

In both scenarios, the MIMS system demonstrated remarkable robustness, stability, and reliability. This repeatability is critical for authorities who need “always-on” monitoring to trigger rapid responses to oil spills or other anthropogenic pollution events.

Why It Matters
Oil spills and toxic VOCs can have devastating, long-term impacts on marine biodiversity. By moving analytical chemistry from the laboratory to a portable, field-ready format, BioSense and the iMERMAID project are providing the tools necessary for a more resilient and protected Mediterranean.

We are thrilled to see these results gain international recognition at Pittcon 2026 and look forward to the continued optimization of these vital sensors.