We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Using FTIRS as pre-screening method for detection of microplastic in bulk sediment samples
AI summary Read the abstract
A new pre-screening method using infrared spectroscopy was developed to detect plastic particles (LDPE and PET) mixed in sediment samples without time-consuming manual sorting. This technique could speed up large-scale environmental monitoring for microplastic contamination.
We present calibration models for the detection of two types of plastic (LDPE, PET) in sediments, developed from analysis of synthetic sediment mixtures and application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIRS) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) modeling. Synthetic sediment mixtures were produced using ground plastic particles mixed with various different sediment matrixes yielding LDPE and PET contents ranging from 0 to 5 wt%. The resulting PLSR calibration models between the FTIRS spectral information and the defined plastic concentration of the synthetic sediment mixtures show strong cross-validated correlations (R = 0.73 and 0.72) as well as low root-mean square errors of cross-validation (RMSE = 0.72 and 0.61; 14.4% and 12.2% when expressed as % of gradient). Application of the calibration to natural sediments shows that the method can be used to detect the presence of microplastics in sediment. The results are only semi-quantitative and semi-qualitative, and the method is suitable mainly for samples with very high microplastic concentrations (>1%). However the major advantage of this procedure is the time and cost efficiency. For studies with large amounts of samples (e.g. monitoring applications) we recommend this method as a pre-screening tool for selecting samples with plastic content for further analysis.
More Papers Like This
Development of a rapid detection protocol for microplastics using reflectance-FTIR spectroscopic imaging and multivariate classification
AI summary Read the abstract
Reflectance-FTIR spectroscopy was evaluated as a faster and more automated detection method for microplastics in environmental samples, with results showing strong potential for high-throughput screening. The method could reduce the time and cost of routine microplastic monitoring programs.
Sampling Microplastics in Beach Sediments and Analysis Using FTIR Spectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
This thesis developed and tested methods for sampling microplastics from beach sediments and identifying polymer types using FTIR spectroscopy. The work addresses the need for standardized, reliable analytical workflows to support consistent monitoring of beach microplastic contamination.
The applicability of reflectance micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for the detection of synthetic microplastics in marine sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed and validated an optimized micro-FT-IR spectroscopy protocol for detecting microplastics in coastal marine sediments, providing a detailed operating procedure. The standardized method improves detection reliability and enables comparison of results across laboratories studying sediment microplastic contamination.
Detection of microplastics inmarine sediments of theGerman Coast via FT-IRspectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers applied FT-IR spectroscopy to detect and identify microplastics in marine sediments from the German coast, developing methods for reliable polymer identification as part of growing efforts to implement standardized monitoring under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
A novel, density-independent and FTIR-compatible approach for the rapid extraction of microplastics from aquatic sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a novel extraction method for microplastics from aquatic sediments that does not rely on density separation, making it compatible with FTIR spectroscopy without requiring additional processing steps. The approach could simplify and speed up microplastic analysis in environmental samples.
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.