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Advancing automated microplastic detection: validation of a method using particle detection software and µ-Raman spectroscopy for 20 – 53 µm particles
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Scientists have developed a faster, cheaper way to detect and count tiny microplastic particles (as small as 20 millionths of a meter, smaller than the width of a human hair) using a laser-based technology called Raman spectroscopy. This matters because these ultra-small plastic fragments are the ones most likely to enter our bodies and tissues, but until now they've been hard to accurately measure, making it difficult for researchers to understand how much of this material we're actually exposed to. While the method still needs refinement, it's a promising step toward better tools for tracking microplastic contamination in our food, water, and environment.
Research on microplastics is developing rapidly, but methods for quantifying the smallest particles (1-100 µm) remain limited. Automated spectroscopic methods using µ-FTIR and µ-Raman spectroscopy have been developed, but these methods are often time-consuming, require expensive filters, or show poor recovery of smaller particles. To address these problems, and as part of a larger effort to develop a cost-effective method for the rapid quantification of microplastic particles, we developed and validated a method for quantifying 20 – 53 µm microplastic fragments using µ-Raman spectroscopy on polycarbonate filters. Our method is fast, reliable, and does not require expensive consumables. We validated a method for polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate fragments with good precision for one sample run multiple times (~3 – 7% coefficient of variation) and independent samples of the same mass (~18 – 35%, depending on polymer). Recovery, tested across a larger size range of particles (up to 106 µm), ranged from 69 – 77% across polymers. KOH treatment (10 or 20%) reduced the recovery of our small polyethylene terephthalate particles. Our method proves promising, and we will continue its development and validation across a greater diversity of polymers, sizes and shapes, as well as with weathered particles extracted from environmental matrices.
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Challenges and solutions in the analysis of micro- and nanoplastics down to 500 nm with automated Raman microspectroscopy: suitable filters, accuracy in the detection, identification, and quantification
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Scientists improved a technique using laser light (Raman microspectroscopy) to detect super-tiny plastic particles in water—as small as 500 nanometers, which is 1,000 times thinner than a human hair. This matters because most microplastic testing misses these ultra-small particles, yet they may be the ones most able to enter our bodies and cells; when the researchers tested actual drinking water, they found plastic particles were surprisingly rare, though more sensitive tools like this will help scientists better understand our real-world exposure and health risks going forward.
High-Throughput and Direct Microplastic Analysis via Flow Raman Spectroscopy.
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Scientists have developed a faster way to detect tiny plastic particles in water, using a laser-based technique that can scan up to 1,500 particles per minute instead of the slow, manual process currently used. This matters because it could make it much easier for water treatment plants and environmental monitors to routinely check drinking water and wastewater for microplastic contamination, which is an important step toward better understanding our everyday exposure to these particles.
TUM-ParticleTyper 2: automated quantitative analysis of (microplastic) particles and fibers down to 1 $${\upmu }$$m by Raman microspectroscopy
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Researchers present TUM-ParticleTyper 2, fully automated software for counting and identifying microplastic particles and fibers down to 1 micrometer using Raman microspectroscopy. The tool uses statistical random-window sampling and real-time confidence interval estimation so measurements can stop as soon as sufficient precision is reached, saving significant analysis time. Having reliable, automated tools to quantify tiny microplastics is essential for accurately assessing human and environmental exposure.
Raman spectroscopy: Recent advances in fast and reliable microplastic analysis
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This review summarized recent advances in Raman spectroscopy for fast and reliable microplastic identification, covering improvements in speed, sensitivity, and automation that are making the technique more practical for routine environmental monitoring. Raman-based methods are increasingly able to identify microplastics in complex environmental matrices including biological tissues.
Microplastic Spot Analyzer: Automated Image-Based Detection and Quantification of Microplastic Particles
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Scientists have created a new software tool that automatically spots and measures microplastic particles in microscope images, replacing the slow, error-prone process of counting them by hand. This matters because faster, more consistent microplastic detection makes it easier for researchers to study how much of this material is in our water, food, and environment, a key step toward understanding its potential health risks. Note that this paper introduces the tool itself rather than new findings about microplastics' health effects.
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