Identifying microplastic litter with Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: A first approach. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sommer, C.; Schneider, L.M.; Nguyen, J.; Prume, J.A.; Lautze, K.; Koch, M.
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 171(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) -- Microplastic -- Plastic identification -- Sediment sample -- Plastic pollution; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112789
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: The broad diversity of microplastic litter requires a selection of analytical techniques to reliably determine the particle's chemical composition. This study demonstrates that Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) can identify microplastic particles based on their spectral fingerprints. By studying the spectral features of polymer reference spectra, microplastic litter can be distinguished from non-plastic materials. The results show that LIBS can be used as a fast in-situ technique for pre-characterization of the microparticle's material and is a possible tool for environmental studies on microplastics. Highlights: Spectroscopic identification approach for microplastics. The study shows that LIBS is a possible characterization method for microplastics. PA, PE, PP, PVC, PET, PC, and PS bulk samples were analyzed, compared with 14 non-plastic samples, and ultimately classified. 45 microparticles were analyzed, 29 of which were microplastics.