Papers

20 results
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Article Tier 2

PlasticNet: Deep Learning for Automatic Microplastic Recognition via FT-IR Spectroscopy

Researchers developed PlasticNet, a deep learning algorithm that automatically identifies microplastic types from infrared spectral data, outperforming conventional library matching approaches. Automating microplastic identification could dramatically speed up the analysis of environmental samples and reduce human error.

2021 Journal of Computational Vision and Imaging Systems 12 citations
Article Tier 2

Automated Machine-Learning-Driven Analysis of Microplastics by TGA-FTIR for Enhanced Identification and Quantification

Researchers developed an automated machine-learning system to identify and measure microplastics using a combination of heat analysis and infrared spectroscopy. The system can distinguish between different plastic types more accurately and faster than manual methods. Better detection tools like this are important because reliable measurement of microplastics in food, water, and the environment is essential for understanding human exposure levels.

2025 Analytical Chemistry 8 citations
Article Tier 2

Detection of Microplastics Using Machine Learning

Researchers reviewed and demonstrated machine learning approaches for detecting and classifying microplastics in environmental samples, finding that automated image analysis and spectral classification methods can improve the speed and accuracy of microplastic monitoring compared to manual methods.

2019 30 citations
Article Tier 2

A Deep Learning Approach for Microplastic Segmentation in Microscopic Images

Researchers developed a deep learning model for automated segmentation and classification of microplastics in microscopic images, identifying five distinct categories including fibers, fragments, spheres, foam, and film. The model achieved high accuracy while maintaining low computational requirements, making it suitable for high-throughput deployment in environmental monitoring. The study offers a tool that could help overcome the measurement bottleneck in microplastic characterization for toxicological and risk assessment studies.

2025 Toxics 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Machine learning outperforms humans in microplastic characterization and reveals human labelling errors in FTIR data

Researchers developed a small but powerful neural network that can identify microplastic types from infrared spectroscopy data more accurately than human experts. The AI model classified 16 different categories of microplastics and even revealed errors in human-labeled data. This technology could dramatically speed up microplastic analysis in environmental and health studies, making it easier to understand the scale and types of microplastic contamination people are exposed to.

2024 Journal of Hazardous Materials 10 citations
Article Tier 2

Development of Microplastics Detector and Quantifier Utilizing Deep Learning Based Algorithm

Researchers developed a microplastics detector and quantifier using deep learning-based image analysis, training a neural network to identify and count microplastic particles in microscopic images. The system achieved high accuracy and offers a faster, more objective alternative to manual counting.

2024
Article Tier 2

A comparison of machine learning techniques for the detection of microplastics

This German-language study compared machine learning algorithms for classifying microplastics based on their infrared spectra, finding that several methods could reliably distinguish polymer types. Automating microplastic identification through machine learning could greatly increase the speed and throughput of environmental monitoring.

2020 reposiTUm (TU Wien)
Article Tier 2

Classifying polymers with mid-IR spectra and machine learning: From monitoring to detection

Researchers applied machine learning to mid-infrared spectra to automatically classify different types of plastic polymers found in the environment. Accurate polymer identification is essential for microplastic research, and this automated approach could improve monitoring efficiency and data consistency across studies.

2023 1 citations
Article Tier 2

SpectraNet: A unified deep learning framework for infrared spectroscopy-based prediction of plastic recyclability, type classification, and microplastic identification

Researchers built SpectraNet, a deep learning framework using mid-infrared spectroscopy to perform three tasks—plastic recyclability assessment, polymer type classification, and microplastic identification—supported by an open-access infrared spectral database of plastics and microplastics.

2025 Journal of Hazardous Materials
Article Tier 2

Automatic Identification and Classification of Marine Microplastic Pollution Based on Deep Learning and Spectral Imaging Technology

Researchers developed an AI system combining deep learning with multispectral imaging to automatically identify and classify marine microplastics, using a feature-selection method called ReliefF to reduce noise in complex ocean samples. The approach achieved high accuracy and offers a scalable solution for large-scale ocean microplastic monitoring that outperforms traditional manual inspection.

2025 Traitement du signal
Article Tier 2

Rapid Classification of Microplastics by Using the Application of a Convolutional Neural Network

Researchers used convolutional neural networks (deep learning) to automatically classify microplastic particles in microscopy images into four categories: fragments, pellets, films, and fibers. The models achieved high classification accuracy, reducing the time and labor needed for manual identification. Automated AI classification could greatly accelerate large-scale microplastic monitoring programs.

2023 Proceedings of the World Congress on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Automatic quantification and classification of microplastics in scanning electron micrographs via deep learning

Researchers developed a deep learning system that can automatically detect and classify microplastics in scanning electron microscope images, replacing the time-consuming process of manual analysis. The system achieved high accuracy in identifying different types and shapes of microplastic particles, even very small ones that are difficult to spot by eye. This automated approach could significantly speed up microplastic monitoring and pollution assessment efforts.

2022 The Science of The Total Environment 137 citations
Article Tier 2

Advances in machine learning for the detection and characterization of microplastics in the environment

This review examines how machine learning and artificial intelligence are being used to speed up and improve the detection of microplastics in the environment. Techniques like neural networks and computer vision can now automatically identify plastic types and count particles much faster than traditional manual methods, though challenges remain in standardizing these approaches.

2025 Frontiers in Environmental Science 34 citations
Article Tier 2

A new approach to classifying polymer type of microplastics based on Faster-RCNN-FPN and spectroscopic imagery under ultraviolet light

Scientists developed an AI-based method using UV light photography to automatically identify and classify different types of microplastics, achieving 86-88% accuracy. This approach is faster and cheaper than traditional lab analysis methods that require expensive equipment. Better detection tools like this are essential for understanding how widespread microplastic contamination really is in coastal environments where people live and eat seafood.

2024 Scientific Reports 26 citations
Article Tier 2

Identification of Polymers with a Small Data Set of Mid-infrared Spectra: A Comparison between Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models

Researchers compared multiple machine learning and deep learning models for identifying polymer types from mid-infrared spectral data using a small reference dataset, finding that certain deep learning architectures outperformed traditional methods even with limited training examples, supporting automated microplastic identification.

2023 Environmental Science & Technology Letters 19 citations
Article Tier 2

Deep Learning-Based Image Recognition System for Automated Microplastic Detection and Water Pollution Monitoring

This study developed a deep learning image recognition system to automate the detection and classification of microplastics from microscopy images of water samples. The system achieved high accuracy across particle types and sizes, offering a scalable and less labor-intensive alternative to manual microscopy for large-scale water pollution monitoring.

2025 Artificial Intelligence Systems and Its Applications
Article Tier 2

Leveraging deep learning for automatic recognition of microplastics (MPs) via focal plane array (FPA) micro-FT-IR imaging

Researchers developed PlasticNet, a deep learning neural network for identifying microplastics in environmental samples using infrared imaging, achieving over 95% accuracy across 11 common plastic types. The study demonstrates that this approach overcomes challenges posed by surface modifications and additives that make conventional spectral classification difficult.

2023 Environmental Pollution 30 citations
Article Tier 2

The Development of Sensors for Microplastic Detection Using Artificial Intelligence

This review examined AI-enhanced sensors developed for microplastic detection and characterization in aquatic environments, covering machine learning, deep learning, and spectroscopic sensor approaches. The authors found that AI substantially reduces the labor intensity of microplastic identification and improves detection of small particles, though training dataset standardization and real-world validation remain priority challenges.

2025 International Journal of Artificial Intelligence
Article Tier 2

FTIR-Based Microplastic Classification: A Comprehensive Study on Normalization and ML Techniques

Researchers tested machine learning and deep learning techniques for classifying six common types of microplastics using infrared spectroscopy data. They found that using broader spectral ranges and certain normalization techniques significantly improved classification accuracy. The study demonstrates that automated identification of microplastic types is feasible and could speed up environmental monitoring efforts.

2025 Recycling 15 citations
Article Tier 2

Development of robust models for rapid classification of microplastic polymer types based on near infrared hyperspectral images

Researchers used near-infrared hyperspectral imaging combined with machine learning to classify nine types of microplastic particles, finding reliable results even for small particles on wet filters. This method could enable faster, automated identification of diverse microplastic types in environmental water samples.

2021 Analytical Methods 15 citations