A semi-automated Raman micro-spectroscopy method for morphological and chemical characterizations of microplastic litter

Every step of microplastic analysis (collection, extraction and characterization) is time-consuming, representing an obstacle to the implementation of large scale monitoring. This study proposes a semi-automated Raman micro-spectroscopy method coupled to static image analysis that allows the screening of a large quantity of microplastic in a time-effective way with minimal machine operator intervention. The method was validated using 103 particles collected at the sea surface spiked with 7 standard plastics: morphological and chemical characterization of particles was performed in < 3 h. The method was then applied to a larger environmental sample (n = 962 particles). The identification rate was 75% and significantly decreased as a function of particle size. Microplastics represented 71% of the identified particles and significant size differences were observed: polystyrene was mainly found in the 2–5 mm range (59%), polyethylene in the 1–2 mm range (40%) and polypropylene in the 0.335–1 mm range (42%).

Keyword(s)

Microplastics, Raman micro-spectroscopy, Surface seawater, Morphology, Environmental monitoring, Automating

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How to cite
Frere L., Paul-Pont I., Moreau Julien, Soudant P., Lambert C., Huvet Arnaud, Rinnert Emmanuel (2016). A semi-automated Raman micro-spectroscopy method for morphological and chemical characterizations of microplastic litter. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 113 (1-2). 461-468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.10.051, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00357/46802/

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