0
Article Tier 2 Detection Methods Sign in to save

Exploring the potential of photoluminescence spectroscopy in combination with Nile Red staining for microplastic detection

Marine Pollution Bulletin 2020 86 citations

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers explored photoluminescence spectroscopy combined with Nile Red staining as a cost- and time-efficient detection method for microplastics, evaluating improvements to existing fluorescence microscopy approaches for more reliable global monitoring of microplastic abundance.

The significant amount of plastic litter in the form of microplastics (size <5 mm) is garnering attention owing to its potential threat to marine life. Reliable, cost- and time-efficient analysis methods for monitoring microplastic abundance globally are still missing. Several studies proposed a fast detection method by binding the solvatochromic dye Nile Red on the surface of microplastics and using fluorescence microscopy for their detection. All the staining approaches reported so far differ in terms of Nile Red concentration, solvents, and staining procedure. Here, we compare the staining protocols published prior to 2019 and propose an optimized staining protocol. Furthermore, we explore the potential of Nile Red staining in combination with photoluminescence spectroscopy to identify the polymer type and to distinguish plastics from non-plastics.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Characterization of Nile Red-Stained Microplastics through Fluorescence Spectroscopy

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers developed an improved method for characterizing microplastics using Nile Red fluorescent staining combined with fluorescence spectroscopy. They found that different plastic polymers produce distinct fluorescent signatures when stained, enabling more reliable identification of plastic types. The technique offers a faster and more affordable alternative to traditional microplastic detection methods, which could help scale up environmental monitoring efforts.

Article Tier 2

Microplastic detection and identification by Nile red staining: Towards a semi-automated, cost- and time-effective technique

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers developed a semi-automated, cost-effective method for microplastic detection using Nile red fluorescent staining, showing it can significantly reduce the time and expense of identifying microplastics compared to traditional spectroscopic approaches.

Article Tier 2

Novel Concepts for the Detection of Microplastics

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers developed novel photoluminescence-based detection concepts for identifying microplastics in environmental samples, addressing the need for more automated and reliable monitoring methods. The approach could complement existing spectroscopic techniques and contribute to the development of standardized microplastic detection protocols.

Article Tier 2

A rapid-screening approach to detect and quantify microplastics based on fluorescent tagging with Nile Red

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers developed a rapid fluorescent screening method using Nile Red dye to detect and quantify microplastics in environmental samples, finding it significantly faster than conventional methods while maintaining reasonable accuracy.

Article Tier 2

Potential for Nile red dye-based analysis of microplastics from oceanic samples

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers evaluated the Nile red fluorescent dye method for detecting and characterizing microplastics in ocean water samples, assessing its effectiveness compared to other analytical techniques. The method shows promise as a faster, lower-cost approach to large-scale microplastic monitoring.

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