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A rapid and portable fluorescence spectroscopy staining method for the detection of plastic microfibers in water
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A fluorescent dye (PTSA) that selectively binds to synthetic polymers was developed into a portable, low-cost method for detecting microfibers in fresh, estuarine, and seawater samples, validated against FTIR and fluorescence microscopy. The technique could help researchers and regulators monitor microplastic fiber pollution quickly and affordably in the field, especially in under-resourced settings.
We propose a simple technique for microplastic detection based on their interaction with a hydrophilic and anionic fluorescent dye 1,3,6,8 pyrene tetrasulfonate (PTSA). Synthetic microfibers derived from surgical face masks (an abundantly generated plastic waste post COVID) were considered as model microplastics. The interactions between microfibers and the dye were studied as a function of physiological parameters (pH, contact time and temperature), external agents, dye dosage and polymer variants. A pocket-sized photometer (by Lovibond Tintometer group) was employed for the detection and further validated using advanced equipment set-ups (fluorescence microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and benchtop spectrofluorometer). Risk assessment studies were conducted on Artemia salina as a model organism. As a risk mitigation strategy, dye recovery followed by sunlight mediated degradation were performed. The detection study was performed in real water samples collected from fresh, estuarine and seawater samples spiked with microfibers. As an outcome, an optimized standard operational conditions were determined for the effective detection of synthetic microfibers. The data obtained could have scientific and industrial impact, in particular for experts working in the broad arena of clean water, who are specifically interested in developing cost-effective solutions for effective detection and biomonitoring of emerging pollutants.
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This study presents a proof-of-concept for a portable, low-cost microplastic detection device that uses fluorescent dye (Nile Red) and a simple optical sensor to detect plastic particles in water. The system produced a signal that scaled linearly with microplastic concentration in lab tests. Development of cheap, field-deployable sensors like this could dramatically improve our ability to monitor microplastic pollution in real time across oceans and waterways, where current lab-based methods are too expensive and slow for widespread use.
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Researchers developed a portable fluorescence-based system that can detect micro- and nanoplastics in water without any sample preparation or labeling. The method works by measuring the natural fluorescence lifetime of plastic particles using a pulsed laser, achieving detection limits as low as 0.01 mg/mL. The study presents a promising early-warning tool for rapid, on-site monitoring of plastic contamination in water sources.
In Situ Fluorescent Illumination of Microplastics in Water Utilizing a Combination of Dye/Surfactant and Quenching Techniques
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Researchers developed an in situ fluorescent microplastic detection method using a nonpolar dye combined with surfactant to form nanoscale dye particles that selectively adsorb onto and penetrate plastic polymer matrices in water, then quenched free dye fluorescence using aniline to enable direct visualization of stained microplastics without filtration.
Towards the Development of Portable and In Situ Optical Devices for Detection of Micro-and Nanoplastics in Water: A Review on the Current Status
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This review surveys the development of portable and in-situ optical devices for detecting micro- and nanoplastics in water, as most current detection methods are laboratory-based. Researchers evaluated emerging technologies including portable Raman and infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence-based sensors, and smartphone-integrated detection systems. The study identifies key technical challenges that must be overcome to enable real-time, field-based monitoring of plastic pollution in water.
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Researchers developed a new fluorescence-based particle counter for real-time quantitative detection of microplastics in water, validating the method against FTIR analysis on wastewater treatment plant samples containing polyethylene and PVC particles.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.