We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
From Macro to Micro: Comprehensive coastal litter analysis using portable NIR
Summary
Researchers applied portable near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to conduct comprehensive coastal litter analysis spanning both macro- and micro-size fractions, aiming to bridge the information gap between existing monitoring strategies that separately categorize macroplastics and microplastics on beaches.
The increasing production of plastic and mismanagement of plastic waste are contributing to increasing plastic pollution of all environments. In the last decade, many countries developed national strategies for monitoring litter in marine environment, which on beaches often include monitoring of macro- and/or microplastics. Understanding the dynamics between different size fractions in the environment is crucial for improved understanding of the plastic cycle. Challenges remain in connecting the information obtained from the existing monitoring strategies: detailed categorization of macro-litter based on the Joint List of Litter Categories developed by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) Technical Group on Marine Litter and the analysis of microplastics from beach sediments, which usually includes the determination of morphological characteristics, colour, size and chemical composition. The determination of polymer types of plastic macro litter is not part of the existing monitoring. Additionally, meso litter, covering size ranges between macro and micro, is often not investigated. This study is the first comprehensive analysis of beach litter in Slovenia that focuses on all three size classes of litter: macro, meso and micro. In addition, the study evaluates the applicability and effectiveness of using a portable near-infrared (NIR) device to identify the polymer types of macro- and mesoplastic litter. This innovative approach could improve the accuracy and efficiency of litter categorization and contribute to a more accurate understanding of the composition, dynamics and sources of plastic pollution in coastal areas. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559476/document
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
From Macro to Micro: Comprehensive coastal litter analysis using portable NIR
Researchers applied portable near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to conduct comprehensive coastal litter analysis spanning macro- to micro-scale plastic fractions, investigating the distribution dynamics and size-fraction relationships of plastic debris along shorelines. The study contributed to bridging the gap between macroplastic monitoring programs and microplastic research to improve understanding of the full plastic cycle in coastal environments.
From macro to micro: Comprehensive marine beach litter analysis using portable NIR
Researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of marine beach litter using portable near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, combining macro-litter surveys with microplastic characterisation to assess polymer composition and pollution levels. The study demonstrated that portable NIR technology can bridge the gap between macro- and micro-scale beach litter monitoring, offering a practical tool for national marine litter surveillance programmes.
Polymer Type Identification of Marine Plastic Litter Using a Miniature Near-Infrared Spectrometer (MicroNIR)
Researchers tested a miniature near-infrared spectrometer (MicroNIR) for rapidly identifying polymer types in marine plastic litter collected from beaches, finding it could accurately distinguish common plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene. Low-cost, portable identification tools are important for large-scale monitoring of marine plastic pollution.
Unveiling coastal pollution: A multi-technology approach to micro and macro litter assessment for the environmental characterization of beaches
Researchers conducted a multi-technology environmental characterization of a Mediterranean beach in southern Italy, simultaneously measuring microplastic density and beach litter composition using innovative low-impact procedures, providing a replicable framework for assessing combined micro-to-macro plastic pollution in coastal environments.
Quantifying Marine Plastic Debris in a Beach Environment Using Spectral Analysis
Researchers analyzed shortwave infrared reflectance spectra of weathered marine plastic debris on sandy beaches, finding that polymer type significantly influences detection capability at sub-pixel surface covers relevant to remote sensing applications.