To address these challenges, we developed a hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) imaging platform with an automated plastic identification algorithm that allows micro-nano plastic analysis at the single-particle level with high chemical specificity and throughput.

The Chemical Image is then analyzed automatically with a robust machine learning algorithm. FT-IR microscopy is the most common approach found in microplastic research. The workflow is super simple and the results provide high precision and, most of all, reliability.

This microscope quickly images large surface areas across the sample filter, making it a fast, reliable method for comparing multiple particulates and identifying their chemical components. For microplastic particles >10 μm, the Thermo Scientific Nicolet iN10 MX FTIR Imaging Microscope offers similar chemical imaging capabilities with speed ...

Cooper et al. and co-workers revealed that SEM provides high resolution topography images of microplastics, where they confirmed in their studies that plastic particles are embrittled by chemical and physical weathering.

In this review, we discuss the current and potential identification methods used in microplastic analyses along with their advantages and limitations. We discuss the most suitable techniques currently available, from physical to chemical ones, as well as the challenges to enhance the existing methods and develop new ones.