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Photothermal infrared imaging: identification and visualization of micro- and nanoplastics in environmental matrices
Summary
Researchers demonstrated that photothermal infrared heterodyne imaging can identify and visualize micro- and nanoplastic particles in complex environmental samples at sub-micrometer resolution. The technique overcomes the resolution limits of conventional infrared spectroscopy and can detect individual plastic particles far smaller than previously possible.
Infrared photothermal heterodyne imaging (IR-PHI) is an established all-optical, table-top approach for conducting super-resolution mid-infrared microscopy and spectroscopy on submicrometer-sized particles. The instrument's capabilities are highlighted by its ability to operate in spectroscopically-crowded environments. This includes specimens obtained from environmental matrices where particulates with different morphologies, chemical compositions, and abundances exist. Here, proof-of-concept IR-PHI measurements have been conducted on anthropogenic micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) derived from the breakdown of consumer products. In particular, IR-PHI is used to characterize MNPs extracted from steeped plastic teabags and floor dust from a household vacuum. IR-PHI results reveal the presence of complex MNP structures made of polyamide fibers and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene MNPs.