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MP8 - Dual-Channel Fluorescence Optical Sensor for Microplastic Detection and Polymer Classification
Summary
Scientists have developed a faster, cheaper way to detect and identify microplastics in water using a special glowing dye that lights up differently depending on the type of plastic present. This matters because current testing methods are slow and expensive, requiring lab equipment and trained experts, making it hard to routinely check drinking water and other sources for these tiny pollutants that may pose health risks. A simpler tool like this could make widespread microplastic monitoring more practical, helping researchers and water treatment facilities catch contamination sooner.
Microplastic pollution in aquatic systems poses ecological and health risks.However, current detection methods (e.g., FTIR, Raman spectroscopy) are time-consuming, costly, require skilled personnel and lack field applicability.We present a dual-channel fluorescence-based optical sensor for rapid detection and classification of microplastics dispersed in water.The detection is accomplished by exploiting the affinity of fluorescent solvatochromic dye DANS with plastic microparticles.A dual-channel pulse intensity spectral analysis of fluorescence emission enables the identification of at least three different microplastics: polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).