We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Visualization and characterisation of microplastics in aquatic environment using a home-built micro-Raman spectroscopic set up
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers built an affordable micro-Raman spectroscopy system capable of identifying microplastics in water samples, offering a low-cost alternative to expensive commercial equipment. The system could visualize, measure, and chemically identify different types of microplastic particles. This kind of accessible detection technology is important, especially for developing countries, because widespread monitoring of microplastic pollution in water sources is essential for protecting public health.
Microplastics (MP) which are tiny plastic particles of sizes range from 1 μm (μm) to 5 mm (mm), have become a growing cause of concern due to their widespread presence in the environment and their potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. Marine organisms have the potential to consume microplastics, which could lead to physical injuries, blockages, or the transfer of harmful substances up the food chain. Humans may indirectly consume microplastics through contaminated seafood and water, although the complete scope of health risks is currently under investigation. An essential step in gaining a comprehensive understanding of microplastic pollution in waterbodies is the identification of microplastics, which is also crucial for further development of effective environmental regulations to address its adverse impacts. Majority of the researchers are accomplishing it globally using commercial platforms based on Raman spectroscopy. However, the development of indigenous Raman systems, which can enable microplastic identification, particularly in developing nations, is the need of the hour due to the outrageous cost of commercial platforms. In the current study, a custom-designed micro-Raman spectroscopy system was developed to detect and characterize microplastics from waterbodies. The developed system enabled visualization, size measurement and characterization of microplastics. Experimental parameters were fine-tuned, and a standardized Raman database was established for each type of plastic. This system exhibited high resolution which was capable of analysing microparticles of size up to 5 μm. Principal component analysis was carried out on the experimental Raman data, demonstrating good classification amongst different kinds of plastics. The performance of the developed system in analysing real samples was evaluated through experiments conducted on water samples obtained from the shore of Malpe Beach in Udupi district. The results revealed the presence of polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate in the samples, along with the detection of pigments like copper phthalocyanine and indigo blue.
More Papers Like This
Identification of Microplastics Using a Custom Built Micro-Raman Spectrometer
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers built a custom micro-Raman spectrometer and demonstrated its use for identifying microplastic polymer types in environmental samples, achieving sensitive and specific polymer identification at particle sizes down to a few micrometers.
Optical detection of microplastics in water
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a low-cost portable Raman spectrometer prototype costing less than $370 for detecting microplastics in water. The device successfully detected microplastics at concentrations below 0.015% w/v, suggesting it could serve as an accessible monitoring tool for microplastic contamination in drinking water and environmental samples worldwide.
Study on Rapid Recognition of Marine Microplastics Based on Raman Spectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a rapid identification system for marine microplastics using Raman spectroscopy, enabling quick determination of plastic type and size. Fast, accurate identification tools are critical for monitoring the growing problem of microplastic pollution in ocean environments.
Microplastic identification using Raman microsocpy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed and implemented a Raman spectroscopy system for rapid detection and identification of microplastic particles on substrates. The system enables efficient chemical characterization of microplastics found across diverse environmental matrices including ocean, lakes, soil, beach sediment, and human blood.
Flow Raman Spectroscopy for the Detection and Identification of Small Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a new method using flow Raman spectroscopy to detect and identify individual microplastic particles as small as 4 micrometers while they move through water. Unlike current methods that require complex sample preparation, this technique could work in real time for monitoring food and drinking water quality. The method can distinguish between different plastic types even after they have been weathered by the environment.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.