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Optical transmission spectra study in visible and near-infrared spectral range for identification of rough transparent plastics in aquatic environments
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Researchers proposed using light transmittance measurements to characterize the surface roughness and thickness of microplastics in water. This non-invasive optical method could help track how microplastics change as they weather in aquatic environments, becoming rougher and more likely to adsorb pollutants.
Erosion of microplastics due to residence time in aquatic environments causes roughening of the microplastic. Unfortunately, currently used measurement methods do not provide information on the surface roughness of the microplastic embedded in water. In this study we propose a novel method by using transmittance to get information on the magnitude of the surface roughness of microplastics and to rank microplastics by thickness. For such a purpose, we studied optical properties such as dispersion, absorption of both plastics and water in the partial spectral range of visible light (Vis), transmission and scattering of light by plastic sheets, as well as, the calculated sample thickness in the Vis region. These were explored for the detection of both smooth and roughened plastic sheets immersed in water. Moreover, by using the transmission spectrum and refractive index of both plastic and water it is possible to estimate the average surface roughness of plastic samples. Our results suggest that the optical properties in the Vis region offer an interesting way for the detection of both rough and smooth plastic sheets and for ranking the type of plastics in an aquatic environment.
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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.
On optical sensing of surface roughness of flat and curved microplastics in water
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Researchers developed and tested an optical sensor prototype capable of detecting microplastic particles of different shapes and surface textures in water by measuring light reflection patterns. The sensor offers a potential path to faster, in-situ microplastic detection without requiring chemical analysis.
Outlook on optical identification of micro- and nanoplastics in aquatic environments
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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.
Identification of Plastic Type and Surface Roughness of Film-Type Plastics in Water Using Kramers–Kronig Analysis
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Researchers applied Kramers-Kronig optical analysis to identify both smooth and rough film-type plastics in water using visible and near-infrared spectroscopy, even when surface roughness causes light scattering. This enables more reliable in-situ identification of plastic type in complex environmental settings.
A prototype of a portable optical sensor for the detection of transparent and translucent microplastics in freshwater
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Researchers developed a portable prototype optical sensor capable of detecting transparent and translucent microplastics in freshwater by simultaneously measuring specular laser light reflection and transmission, offering a feasibility pathway for field-deployable 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.