Green Techniques for Detecting Microplastics in Marine with Emphasis on FTIR and NIR Spectroscopy—Short Review

Abstract

The amount of microplastics (MPs) present in marine ecosystems are a growing concern, with potential impacts on human health because they are associated with an increase in the ecotoxicity of certain foods, such as fish. As a result, there has been a growing interest in developing effective methods for the analysis of MPs in marine waters. Traditional methods for MP analysis involve visual inspection and manual sorting, which can be time-consuming and subject to human error. However, novel methods have been developed that offer more efficient and accurate analyses. One such method is based on spectroscopy, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Another method involves the use of fluorescent dyes, which can selectively bind to microplastics and allow for their detection under UV light. Additionally, machine learning approaches have been developed to analyze large volumes of water samples for MP detection and classification. These methods involve the use of specialized algorithms that can identify and classify MPs based on their size, shape, and texture. Overall, these novel methods offer more efficient and accurate analyses of MPs in marine waters, which is essential for understanding the extent and impacts of MP pollution and for developing effective mitigation strategies. However, there is still a need for continued research and development to optimize these methods and improve their sensitivity and accuracy.