Rapid On-Site and Sensitive Detection of Microplastics Using Zirconium(IV)-Assisted SERS Label

Microplastics have emerged as significant pollutants in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, with their accumulation posing a threat to human health through biomagnification along the food chain. Developing a rapid, on-site, and sensitive method for detecting microplastics in agri-food and environmental systems is important for assessing and minimizing their potential risks. In this study, we developed a novel surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technique for the rapid, on-site, and ultrasensitive detection of microplastics. Our innovative technique incorporated Zr⁴⁺-assisted SERS label strategies, utilizing rhodamine B as a Raman reporter to improve microplastics analysis. By utilizing Zr⁴⁺-assisted SERS label approaches, we can achieve qualitative and ultrasensitive quantification of 10 μm polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) at concentrations as low as 0.1 ppm with a detection limit of 1 ppb. Furthermore, this approach allows for detecting microplastics in real-world scenarios, with recovery rates exceeding 90% for polystyrene microplastic concentrations ranging from 5 to 30 ppm in tap water systems. When integrated with a portable Raman spectrometer, this innovative approach showcases the rapid, on-site, accurate, and sensitive detection of microplastics and has great potential for analyzing various types of microplastics in agri-food and environmental systems.