Detection and Extraction Techniques for Microplastics

Indeed, the pervasive presence of microplastics in the environment has become a focus of attention due to their adverse effect on humans. Microplastics are typically less than 5 millimeters in size and are obtained from the breakdown of larger plastic items or are intentionally manufactured at a small scale. The inefficient collection and inappropriate management of plastic waste contribute significantly to the massive amounts of microplastic entering various ecosystems, including oceans, rivers, soil, and even the air. The widespread distribution of microplastics has raised alarms about their potential impacts on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Importantly, the effect of plastic pollution extends beyond various ecosystems to directly affect human health. Microplastics can act as carriers of multiple toxins, posing potential health risks to both ecosystems and humans. Understanding the role of microplastics as carriers of toxins is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution. This chapter focuses on extraction and detection techniques for microplastics in various ecosystems. Efficient technologies like floatation, membrane separation, chemical treatment, enzymatic treatment, and other miscellaneous techniques have been discussed considering their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, identification technologies like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and thermo-analytical methods have been emphasized for the detection of microplastic particles. It is still necessary and possible to develop more efficient and cost-effective methods in this direction.