Introducing Stanene oxyboride nanosheets as white light emitting probe for selectively identifying <5 µm microplastic pollutants

Innovative portable microplastic detector using a continuous flow technique with fluorescence Nile red–graphene oxide

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Researchers developed a portable, semi-automated microplastic detection system combining continuous flow sample processing, Nile red/graphene oxide fluorescent staining with fourfold enhanced signal, and a handheld sensor, achieving reliable quantification of polyethylene down to 0.1 mg. The instrument's portability and speed could enable field-level microplastic monitoring in water supplies and environmental settings where laboratory analysis is impractical or unavailable.

Rapid and low-cost detection platform for micro- and nanoplastics

Advanced Nanomaterials for Microplastic Detection and Degradation: A Sustainable Approach to Environmental Remediation

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Researchers examined how advanced nanomaterials can be engineered to detect and degrade microplastics in the environment, presenting a sustainable remediation approach that leverages nanoscale properties to address the growing challenge of microplastic pollution across ecosystems.

Optical innovations in microplastic analysis: a critical review of detection strategies

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Researchers reviewed the current landscape of optical detection methods for microplastics—spanning Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, SERS, FLIM, hyperspectral imaging, and AI-enhanced analysis—highlighting that while handheld and smartphone-based platforms show strong promise for field deployment, the absence of standardized protocols and interference from organic matter remain key barriers to reliable environmental monitoring.

Fluorescence sensing of microplastics on surfaces

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Fluorescence techniques using Nile Red and pyrene as polarity probes can detect polystyrene microplastics directly on surfaces such as sand and sea salt, with a detection limit of approximately 0.2 micrograms per gram on sea salt. While relatively low in selectivity, this rapid method offers a practical tool for environmental screening and risk assessment of microplastic contamination in coastal and marine settings.