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Comparing Raman and FTIR Spectroscopy for the Quantification of Microplastics
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This study compared Raman and FTIR spectroscopy for quantifying microplastics in environmental samples, evaluating the accuracy, sensitivity, and practicality of each technique. Both methods can identify and quantify microplastics, but differ in throughput, detection limits, and suitability for different polymer types and sample matrices.
Microplastics (<5 mm) have become an increasing concern for the environment. These small plastic items can contain toxic ingredients and are assumed to accumulate persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals from the surroundings. Since microplastics are ingested by small organisms, they harbour the risk to propagate with these hazardous substances up the food chain. An environmental risk assessment is highly needed, but currently not possible since reliable data about the amount of microplastics in the environment are lacking. The detection of microplastics poses a challenge in many respects with the analytical investigation as one major issue. The most reliable techniques for the experienced analysis of microplastics are Raman and Fourier-Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In this context, two highly promising approaches have been suggested to automate microplastics counting: chemical imaging and single-particle exploring (SPE). In this study, microplastics have been investigated for the first time by combined analysis with µ-Raman, ATR-FTIR, SPE coupled to µ-Raman (SPE-µ-Raman), and µ-FTIR chemical imaging in reflection-absorption mode
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Analytical tools in advancing microplastics research for identification and quantification across environmental media: from sample to insight
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Researchers reviewed the analytical tools most commonly used for identifying and quantifying microplastics, focusing on FTIR and Raman spectroscopy as the two primary methods. The review compared their strengths and limitations and provided guidance for choosing between them based on particle size, sample matrix, and research objectives.
Comparison of Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy for the Quantification of Microplastics in the Aquatic Environment
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Microplastics from North Sea surface waters were analyzed by both Raman and FTIR spectroscopy across two size fractions, with automated Raman quantifying approximately twice as many particles ≤500 μm as FTIR imaging, but similar results for larger particles. The comparison study identifies key trade-offs between the two techniques and demonstrates that method choice significantly affects microplastic abundance estimates.
Analysis of environmental microplastics by vibrational microspectroscopy: FTIR, Raman or both?
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This study reviewed analytical methods for environmental microplastic analysis using vibrational microspectroscopy — comparing FTIR, Raman, and related techniques — and provided guidance on method selection for different sample types and research questions.
Spectroscopic detection of microplastics
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This paper reviews spectroscopic methods — particularly FTIR and Raman spectroscopy — for detecting and distinguishing microplastic particles from natural materials in marine samples. Researchers discuss the advantages and limitations of each method and how they can be optimised for different particle sizes and sample types.
Analytical methods for identifying microplastics in environment: a critical review
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This review systematically covers the full analytical pipeline for identifying environmental microplastics — from sample collection and density separation through digestion, filtration, and spectroscopic identification — highlighting that Raman spectroscopy outperforms FTIR for particles under 10 µm and that method standardization remains the central challenge for cross-study comparability.
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