Raman microspectroscopy as a tool for microplastic particle analysis

Anger, P.; Esch, Elisabeth von der; Baumann, Thomas; Elsner, Martin; Nießner, Reinhard; Ivleva, Natalia P.

doi:10.1016/j.trac.2018.10.010

Cited by 227 publications

(142 citation statements)

References 62 publications

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“…While milling produces large particles predominantly [50-100 µm (Eitzen et al, 2018) and 500 µm−2 mm (Kuhn et al, 2018)] sonication rather leads to smaller particles (average Feret's diameter, µ = 30.23 ± 12.14 µm for PS, µ = 32.04 ± 6.53 µm for PLA and µ = 26.56 ± 5.23 µm for PET). The average size of the particles produced through sonication is much closer to the average particle sizes relevant in the environment (Anger et al, 2018) and in weathering studies (∼99% of PLA, PS and PET particles are in the size range 0.6-18 µm) (Lambert and Wagner, 2016).…”

Section: Size Distribution Comparison To Environmental Mp Particles Asupporting

confidence: 61%

“…The particles were localized (calculation of centers for Raman measurement) and morphologically analyzed (Feret's diameter min and max, area, ratio of Feret's diameter and percentage of area covered by particle in Feret's box for shape analysis) via image processing using TUM-ParticleTyper (Gaussian windowbased detection, von der Esch et al (submitted), preview in SI Figure 1). Subsequent Raman microspectroscopy (3 mW using TruePower, 532 nm laser, 2.5-20 s measurement time, 20× objective, inserting the determined coordinates by TUM-ParticleTyper via PointViewer) revealed the identity (database search with TrueMatch, for validation see SI Figure 2) of n ∼ 500 randomly selected particles per filter as described by Anger et al (2018). Combining these results an overall compound distribution (desired MP vs. contamination) and a compoundcorrelated size distribution could be determined.…”

Section: Characterization Of the Produced Mp Particlesmentioning

confidence: 94%

“…The characterization of microplastics (MP)-i.e., of small synthetic polymer particles-is a four-dimensional challenge, consisting of (I) the broad size distribution of particles (and fibers) from 1 µm to 1 mm, (II) the variety of polymer types and natural particles, (III) the state of aging, and (IV) the variety of forms (spheres, films, fragments, fibers) (Hartmann et al, 2019). All four dimensions should ideally be detected and quantified simultaneously in one measurement (Ivleva et al, 2017;Anger et al, 2018;Koelmans et al, 2019). The need to develop suitable analytical tools is accompanied by the need for effective methods to produce reference particles-reference materials that should be as similar as possible to the MP particles found in environmental and food samples.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Simple Generation of Suspensible Secondary Microplastic Reference Particles via Ultrasound Treatment

et al. 2020

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In the environment the weathering of plastic debris is one of the main sources of secondary microplastic (MP). It is distinct from primary MP, as it is not intentionally engineered, and presents a highly heterogeneous analyte composed of plastic fragments in the size range of 1 µm−1 mm. To detect secondary MP, methods must be developed with appropriate reference materials. These should share the characteristics of environmental MP which are a broad size range, multitude of shapes (fragments, spheres, films, fibers), suspensibility in water, and modified particle surfaces through aging (additional OH, C=O, and COOH). To produce such a material, we bring forward a rapid sonication-based fragmentation method for polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polylactic acid (PLA), which yields up to 10 5 /15 mL dispersible, high purity MP particles in aqueous media. To satisfy the claim of a reference material, the key properties-composition and size distribution to ensure the homogeneity of the samples, as well as shape, suspensibility, and aging -were analyzed in replicates (N = 3) to ensure a robust production procedure. The procedure yields fragments in the range of 100 nm−1 mm (<20 µm, 54.5 ± 11.3% of all particles). Fragments in the size range 10 µm−1 mm were quantitatively characterized via Raman microspectroscopy (particles = 500-1,000) and reflectance micro Fourier transform infrared analysis (particles = 10). Smaller particles 100 nm−20 µm were qualitatively characterized by scanning electron microcopy (SEM). The optical microscopy and SEM analysis showed that fragments are the predominant shape for all polymers, but fibers are also present. Furthermore, the suspensibility and sedimentation in pure MilliQ water was investigated using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and revealed that the produced fragments sediment according to their density and that the attachment to glass is avoided. Finally, a comparison of the infrared spectra from the fragments produced through sonication and naturally aged MP shows the addition of polar groups to the surface of the particles in the OH, C=O, and COOH region, making these particles suitable reference materials for secondary MP.

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Section: Size Distribution Comparison To Environmental Mp Particles Asupporting

confidence: 61%

Section: Characterization Of the Produced Mp Particlesmentioning

confidence: 94%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Simple Generation of Suspensible Secondary Microplastic Reference Particles via Ultrasound Treatment

et al. 2020

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“…Another alternative method, Raman spectroscopy, can also identify functional groups [30]. Compared to FTIR, Raman spectroscopy has a relatively high identification rate but specific procedures are typically required to be set by researchers [31].…”

Section: Composition and Characterization Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The ubiquity of microplastics makes fast sampling methods all the more important. Furthermore, micro-FTIR, micro-Raman (i.e., coupling a microscope with an FTIR/Raman) can be used on small sample masses and isolate a single particle for characterization with the assistance of visual images [14,25,30,32].…”

Section: Composition and Characterization Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review of Microplastic Pollution in the Environment and Emerging Recycling Solutions

Reimonn¹,

Lu²,

Gandhi³

et al. 2019

Journal of Renewable Materials

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Microplastic pollution represents a side-effect stemming from a global plastic waste mismanagement problem and includes degraded particles or mass produced plastic particles less than 5 mm in largest dimension. The small nature of microplastics gives this area of pollution different environmental concerns than general plastic waste in the environment. The biological toxicity of particles, their internal components, and their surface level changes all present opportunities for these particles to adversely affect the environment around them. Thus, it is necessary to review the current literature surrounding this topic and identify areas where the study of microplastic can be pushed forward. Here we present current methods in studying microplastics, some of the ways by which microplastics affect the environment and attempt to shed light on how this research can continue. In addition, we review current recycling methods developing for the processing of mixed-plastic waste. These methods, including hydrothermal processing and solvent extraction, provide a unique opportunity to separate plastic waste and improve the viability of the plastics recycling industry.

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Collection and Characterization of Microplastics Debris in Marine Ecosystems

Zhao

Tiwari

et al. 2022

Plastics and the Ocean

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Raman microspectroscopy as a tool for microplastic particle analysis

Cited by 227 publications

References 62 publications

Simple Generation of Suspensible Secondary Microplastic Reference Particles via Ultrasound Treatment

Simple Generation of Suspensible Secondary Microplastic Reference Particles via Ultrasound Treatment

Review of Microplastic Pollution in the Environment and Emerging Recycling Solutions

Collection and Characterization of Microplastics Debris in Marine Ecosystems

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