We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
On the Potential for Optical Detection of Microplastics in the Ocean
Summary
This study examines the potential for optical methods to detect microplastics in ocean water at large spatial scales, noting that while optical detection is promising for overcoming the limitations of discrete water sampling, methods remain in early development and reference libraries of microplastic optical properties are sparse.
Since the advent of industrial manufacturing of petroleum-based plastics, their use in everyday products has become ubiquitous due to their durability, moldability, low weight, and affordability. Consequently, plastics have quickly become one of the largest components of solid waste pollution on the planet and can now be found in marine sediment, coastal waters, surface waters of oceanic gyres, and marine organisms. However, the extent of this problem has yet to be fully understood, in part due to the challenges associated with discrete water sampling in the vast global ocean. Optical detection of microplastics is one promising approach with the potential to circumnavigate the temporal and spatial limitations of discrete water sampling, though methodological techniques are still in their infancy and libraries of inherent optical properties (IOPs) of microplastics are sparse.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Outlook on optical identification of micro- and nanoplastics in aquatic environments
Researchers studied the optical properties of micro- and nanoplastics and evaluated near-infrared spectroscopy as a detection method for plastic particles in water, finding that optical techniques show promise for rapid, non-destructive identification. Improved optical detection methods could enable faster and more cost-effective monitoring of plastic pollution in aquatic environments.
Measurements of the inherent optical properties of aqueous suspensions of microplastics
Researchers measured the inherent optical properties — including absorption and scattering coefficients — of aqueous microplastic suspensions at environmentally relevant concentrations, comparing different polymer types and particle sizes. The optical signatures varied substantially across polymers and sizes, providing reference data for developing optical remote sensing approaches to detect microplastics in surface waters.
Detection of Microplastics in Water and Ice
Researchers explored optical detection methods for identifying microplastics floating on water surfaces or trapped in ice, taking advantage of the unique light-reflecting properties of different plastic types. Advances in optical detection are important for developing faster, non-destructive tools for monitoring microplastic pollution.
Potential of Optical Spaceborne Sensors for the Differentiation of Plastics in the Environment
This study evaluated the potential of optical spaceborne sensors to differentiate plastic types in the environment, assessing whether satellite remote sensing can be used to map and monitor plastic pollution in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems at scale.
Examining the Feasibility of Passive Satellite Remote Sensing of Ocean Microplastics With New High-Resolution Multiple Scattering Simulations
Researchers examined the feasibility of detecting ocean microplastics using passive satellite remote sensing by combining in situ data analysis with Mie scattering calculations and advanced multiple scattering simulations, evaluating whether spectral signatures of microplastic particles are detectable against the ocean surface optical background.