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Quantification and identification of microplastics in Southern North Sea sediments via FPA-based µFTIR Imaging
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This study used focal plane array (FPA)-based micro-FTIR imaging to quantify and identify microplastics in Southern North Sea sediment samples, developing rigorous analytical methods with potential for standardization across research labs — a key need in the microplastics field.
Microplastics in marine habitats pose a threat to life owing to their small size, their ubiquitous occurrence and their tendency to adsorb and release pollutants. As microplastic research lacks harmonised analysis methods, inter-study comparisons are limited. So far, only few comparable studies have investigated microplastic burden in the North Sea. This work analysed microplastics in sediments of the Southern North Sea and applied advanced methods with potential for standardisation. Firstly, microplastics were extracted via density separation with the Microplastic Sediment Separator (MPSS) followed by a non-destructive enzymatic-chemical digestion. Secondly, microplastics were quantifed and identifed via FPA-based µFTIR imaging in tandem with a semi-automated analysis. Microplastic concentrations in all samples ranged from 2-174 particles per kg of dry sediment. Particle number tended to increase with decreasing particle size. Most frequently detected polymer types were varnishes, polypropylene, polyester, polyoxymethylene and polyethylene. This study contributes to baseline data provision for future research, monitoring activities and political decision-making.
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Detection of microplastics inmarine sediments of theGerman Coast via FT-IRspectroscopy
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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.
The applicability of reflectance micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for the detection of synthetic microplastics in marine sediments
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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.
Microplastics in coastal North Sea sediments - Analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
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Microplastics in North Sea coastal sediments were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to identify polymer types and characterize particle morphology. The study contributes to baseline monitoring of microplastic distribution in a heavily trafficked European marine environment.
Identification and Quantification of Microplastics in Wastewater Using Focal Plane Array-Based Reflectance Micro-FT-IR Imaging
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Researchers applied focal plane array FT-IR imaging to identify and quantify microplastics in wastewater samples, demonstrating that this method provides efficient and detailed polymer characterization across large sample areas.
Sampling Microplastics in Beach Sediments and Analysis Using FTIR Spectroscopy
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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.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.