0
Article Tier 2 Detection Methods Marine & Wildlife Sign in to save

Improved method for rapid characterization of microplastics in environmental samples with QCL-IR based microscopy and micro spectroscopy (Conference Presentation)

2023

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers presented a quantum cascade laser infrared (QCL-IR) microscopy method for rapidly characterizing microplastics in environmental samples. The approach combines spatial imaging with chemical identification to classify particles by size, shape, and polymer type faster than conventional FTIR microscopy. Improved throughput in microplastic characterization helps researchers process the large sample volumes needed for environmental monitoring studies.

Microplastic particles are ubiquitous and actually many research projects deal with characterizing and quantifying the microplastic particles chemically, in number, size, and shape. The form factor influences the areas, where the particles accumulate and their potential harm in ecosystems and organs. Using microscopes (RAMAN-, QCL-IR, or µFTIR) is a well-established technique to characterize particles in environmental probes by their dimensions and chemical properties. However, measuring thicker particles challenge optical methods. A method increasing the repeatability and minimizing manual interventions by combining different modes of operation using a wide field hyperspectral QCL-IR-microscope systems is presented.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Rapid Identification and Quantification of Microplastics in the Environment by Quantum Cascade Laser-Based Hyperspectral Infrared Chemical Imaging

AI summary Read the abstract

Quantum cascade laser infrared microscopy was evaluated as a rapid method for identifying and quantifying microplastics in environmental samples. The technique showed potential for faster polymer identification compared to conventional FTIR mapping, offering advantages for high-throughput microplastic monitoring.

Article Tier 2

High-throughput environmental microplastic identification and quantification using a wide-field QCL-IR based microscope

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers developed a wide-field quantum cascade laser infrared microscope capable of identifying and quantifying microplastics at significantly higher throughput than conventional FTIR methods. The system can process large environmental sample areas rapidly, addressing the bottleneck of slow manual analysis that limits large-scale microplastic monitoring.

Article Tier 2

Organic polymers classification using QCL spectroscopy

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers used quantum cascade laser mid-infrared spectroscopy to test a methodology for classifying different consumer plastics by polymer type, evaluating its potential for microplastic identification in environmental samples. They demonstrated that QCL spectroscopy can distinguish between common polymer types, suggesting it as a promising analytical tool for polymer identification. The study presents preliminary results toward developing a new spectroscopic approach for environmental microplastic characterization.

Article Tier 2

Microplastic Mass Estimation Using Two-Dimensional Chemical Images from Quantum-Cascade Laser-Based Infrared Spectrometers

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers developed a method to estimate microplastic particle mass using two-dimensional chemical images from quantum cascade laser-based infrared microscopy, filling a gap in spectroscopic techniques that can characterize particles but not provide mass information relevant for toxicology.

Article Tier 2

MicroplasticMass Estimation Using Two-DimensionalChemical Images from Quantum-Cascade Laser-Based Infrared Spectrometers

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers developed a method to estimate microplastic particle mass using two-dimensional chemical images from quantum cascade laser-based infrared microscopy, addressing the inability of standard spectroscopic imaging to provide particle mass data critical for toxicological assessment.

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.

Email me about

Share this paper