Affiliation:
1. Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
2. Department of Mechanical Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge 02139 MA USA
3. Key Lab of Education Ministry for Power Machinery and Engineering School of Mechanical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
4. Department of Food Science and Nutrition The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hong Kong SAR China
5. State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution City University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
Abstract
Global concern about microplastic (MP) and nanoplastic (NP) particles is continuously rising with their proliferation worldwide. Effective identification methods for MP and NP pollution monitoring are highly needed, but due to different requirements and technical challenges, much of the work is still in progress. Herein, the advanced optical imaging systems that are successfully applied or have the potential for MP identification are focused on. Compared with chemical and thermal analyses, optical methods have the unique advantages of being nondestructive and noncontact and allow fast detection without complex sample preprocessing. Furthermore, they are capable of revealing the morphology, anisotropy, and material characteristics of MP for their quick and robust detection. This review aims to present a comprehensive discussion of the relevant optical imaging systems, emphasizing their operating principles, strengths, and drawbacks. Multiple comparisons and analyses among these technologies are conducted in order to provide practical guidelines for researchers. In addition, the combination of optical and other alternative technologies is described and the representative portable MP detection devices are highlighted. Together, they shed light on the prospects for long‐term MP pollution monitoring and environmental protection.
Funder
Shanghai Jiao Tong University