Identifying microplastic particle in the drinking water using Raman spectroscopy method

This study is based on the problem of microplastics found in water, where plastic packaging is now widely used in food and beverage packaging and raises social concerns about its health effects. The microplastics, small plastic particles with a size of 5 mm or less, found in the body can be toxic, cause hormonal imbalances, heart disease, infertility, and obesity. Research on methods for analyzing microplastics in water is still limited in Indonesia, this study identify and analyze the microplastic content in the drinking water and its saurce in Indonesia using raman spectroscopy method. The analysis of microplastics content was performed on various drinking water samples and their sources. The test included 7 water samples from different brands, water sources and different water bottle industries in Indonesia. Content analysis was performed in three stages, starting with the preparatory stage, the filtration process. The filtration process is performed using filter paper that matches the size of the sample to be inspected. In addition, various particles trapped in the filter paper were analyzed under a microscope to separate the microplastic particles. At last, a raman spectroscopy test was performed to determine the type of microplastics present in the contents of the water sample. Through the analysis and study of the content of various water samples carried out, the analyzed water content found various types of microplastics in the form of fragments, fibers, filaments, and films, most of which were PET (Polyethylene terephthalate). There are also found to be polypropylene and PVC (Polyvinyl chloride).