1
|
Han K, Huang M, Wang Z, Shi C, Wang Z, Guo J, Liu W, Lei L, Guo Q. Innovative methods for microplastic characterization and detection: Deep learning supported by photoacoustic imaging and automated pre-processing data. J Environ Manage 2024; 359:120954. [PMID: 38692026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Plastic products' widespread applications and their non-biodegradable nature have resulted in the continuous accumulation of microplastic waste, emerging as a significant component of ecological environmental issues. In the field of microplastic detection, the intricate morphology poses challenges in achieving rapid visual characterization of microplastics. In this study, photoacoustic imaging technology is initially employed to capture high-resolution images of diverse microplastic samples. To address the limited dataset issue, an automated data processing pipeline is designed to obtain sample masks while effectively expanding the dataset size. Additionally, we propose Vqdp2, a generative deep learning model with multiple proxy tasks, for predicting six forms of microplastics data. By simultaneously constraining model parameters through two training modes, outstanding morphological category representations are achieved. The results demonstrate Vqdp2's excellent performance in classification accuracy and feature extraction by leveraging the advantages of multi-task training. This research is expected to be attractive for the detection classification and visual characterization of microplastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaitai Han
- Academy of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Beijing 102617, China
| | - Mengyuan Huang
- Academy of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Beijing 102617, China
| | - Zhenghui Wang
- Academy of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Beijing 102617, China
| | - Chaojing Shi
- Academy of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Beijing 102617, China
| | - Zijun Wang
- Academy of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Beijing 102617, China
| | - Jialu Guo
- Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
| | - Wu Liu
- Academy of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Beijing 102617, China
| | - Lixin Lei
- Academy of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Beijing 102617, China
| | - Qianjin Guo
- Academy of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Beijing 102617, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu Y, Li J, Parakhonskiy BV, Hoogenboom R, Skirtach A, De Neve S. Labelling of micro- and nanoplastics for environmental studies: state-of-the-art and future challenges. J Hazard Mater 2024; 462:132785. [PMID: 37856963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Studying microplastics and nanoplastics (MNP) in environmental matrices is extremely challenging, and recent developments in labelling techniques may hold much promise to further our knowledge in this field. Here, we reviewed MNP labelling techniques and applications to provide the first systematic and in-depth insight into MNP labelling. We classified all labelling techniques for MNP into four main types (fluorescent, metal, stable isotope and radioisotope) and discussed per type the synthesis methods, detection methods, influencing factors, and the current and future applications and challenges. Direct labelling of environmental MNP with fluorescent dyes and metals enables simple visualisation and selective detection of MNP to improve detection efficiency. However, it is still an open question how to avoid co-labelling of non-plastic (i.e. non-target, matrix) materials. Labelling of MNP that are intentionally added in the environment may allow semi-automatic detection of MNP particles with high accuracy and sensitivity during studies on e.g. transport and degradation. The detection limit of labelled MNP largely depends on particle size and the type of matrix. Fluorescent labelling allows efficient detection of microplastics, whereas metal labelling is preferred for nanoplastics research due to a potentially higher sensitivity. A major challenge for fluorescent and metal labelling is to develop techniques that do not alter the inherent MNP properties or only do so minimally, in particular the surface properties. Stable and radioactive isotope labelling (13C and 14C, but also 15N, 2H) of the polymer itself allows to preserve inherent MNP properties, but have been largely ignored. Overall, labelling of MNP holds great promise for advancing our fundamental understanding of the behaviour of plastics, notably the smallest fractions, in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Liu
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Bogdan V Parakhonskiy
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Richard Hoogenboom
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Andre Skirtach
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Stefaan De Neve
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Osman AI, Hosny M, Eltaweil AS, Omar S, Elgarahy AM, Farghali M, Yap PS, Wu YS, Nagandran S, Batumalaie K, Gopinath SCB, John OD, Sekar M, Saikia T, Karunanithi P, Hatta MHM, Akinyede KA. Microplastic sources, formation, toxicity and remediation: a review. Environ Chem Lett 2023; 21:1-41. [PMID: 37362012 PMCID: PMC10072287 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-023-01593-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is becoming a major issue for human health due to the recent discovery of microplastics in most ecosystems. Here, we review the sources, formation, occurrence, toxicity and remediation methods of microplastics. We distinguish ocean-based and land-based sources of microplastics. Microplastics have been found in biological samples such as faeces, sputum, saliva, blood and placenta. Cancer, intestinal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, infectious and inflammatory diseases are induced or mediated by microplastics. Microplastic exposure during pregnancy and maternal period is also discussed. Remediation methods include coagulation, membrane bioreactors, sand filtration, adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, electrocoagulation and magnetic separation. Control strategies comprise reducing plastic usage, behavioural change, and using biodegradable plastics. Global plastic production has risen dramatically over the past 70 years to reach 359 million tonnes. China is the world's top producer, contributing 17.5% to global production, while Turkey generates the most plastic waste in the Mediterranean region, at 144 tonnes per day. Microplastics comprise 75% of marine waste, with land-based sources responsible for 80-90% of pollution, while ocean-based sources account for only 10-20%. Microplastics induce toxic effects on humans and animals, such as cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress, barrier attributes, and genotoxicity, even at minimal dosages of 10 μg/mL. Ingestion of microplastics by marine animals results in alterations in gastrointestinal tract physiology, immune system depression, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, differential gene expression, and growth inhibition. Furthermore, bioaccumulation of microplastics in the tissues of aquatic organisms can have adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem, with potential transmission of microplastics to humans and birds. Changing individual behaviours and governmental actions, such as implementing bans, taxes, or pricing on plastic carrier bags, has significantly reduced plastic consumption to 8-85% in various countries worldwide. The microplastic minimisation approach follows an upside-down pyramid, starting with prevention, followed by reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, and ending with disposal as the least preferable option.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed I. Osman
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, David Keir Building, Queen’s University Belfast, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5AG Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mohamed Hosny
- Green Technology Group, Environmental Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21511 Egypt
| | | | - Sara Omar
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Elgarahy
- Environmental Science Department, Faculty of Science, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
- Egyptian Propylene and Polypropylene Company (EPPC), Port-Said, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Farghali
- Department of Agricultural Engineering and Socio-Economics, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501 Japan
- Department of Animal and Poultry Hygiene & Environmental Sanitation, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526 Egypt
| | - Pow-Seng Yap
- Department of Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123 China
| | - Yuan-Seng Wu
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Saraswathi Nagandran
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Kalaivani Batumalaie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Asia Metropolitan University, 81750 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Subash C. B. Gopinath
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 02600 Arau, Perlis Malaysia
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 01000 Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
- Micro System Technology, Centre of Excellence, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Pauh Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis Malaysia
| | - Oliver Dean John
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia
| | - Mahendran Sekar
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, 30450 Ipoh, Perak Malaysia
| | - Trideep Saikia
- Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Guwahati Assam, India
| | - Puvanan Karunanithi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM), Melaka, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hayrie Mohd Hatta
- Centre for Research and Development, Asia Metropolitan University, 81750 Johor Bahru, Johor Malaysia
| | - Kolajo Adedamola Akinyede
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town, 7530 South Africa
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Science Technology, The Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B.5351, Ado Ekiti, 360231 Ekiti State Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tammina SK, Khan A, Rhim JW. Advances and prospects of carbon dots for microplastic analysis. Chemosphere 2023; 313:137433. [PMID: 36460157 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have become the world's most emerging pollutants today due to the ubiquitous use of plastics in everyday life and their ability to migrate from micro to nanoscale to every corner of the natural world, leading to ecological imbalances and global catastrophes. However, a standardized method for separating and analyzing microplastics from actual food or environmental samples has not been established. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a simple, fast, cost-effective, and accurate method that can accurately measure the degree of contamination of microplastics. As one of these methods, fluorometry has been proposed as a cost-effective method to detect, quantify and differentiate individual plastic particles. Therefore, this review discussed the technique for analyzing microplastics using fluorescent carbon dots (CDs). This review provided an overview of the impact of microplastics and the feasibility of using CDs to detect and analyze microplastics. In particular, this review will discuss novel microplastic analysis methods using CD and future application studies. The method using CDs will overcome the limitations of current microplastic analysis technology and may become a new method for detecting and analyzing microplastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sai Kumar Tammina
- Department of Food and Nutrition, BioNanocomposite Research Center, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Ajahar Khan
- Department of Food and Nutrition, BioNanocomposite Research Center, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Whan Rhim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, BioNanocomposite Research Center, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Martín de la Fuente A, Marhuenda-Egea FC, Ros M, Pascual JA, Saez-Tovar JA, Martinez-Sabater E, Peñalver R. Thermogravimetry coupled with mass spectrometry successfully used to quantify polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics in organic amendments. Environ Res 2022; 213:113583. [PMID: 35691386 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The global consumption of plastic is growing year by year, producing small plastic pieces known as microplastics (MPs) that adversely affect ecosystems. The use of organic amendments (compost and manure) polluted with MPs affects the quality of agricultural soils, and these MPs can be incorporated into the food chain and negatively impact human health. Current European legislation only considers large plastic particles in organic amendments. There is no information regarding MP pollution. Thus, the development of a methodology to support future legislation ensuring the quality of agricultural soils and food safety is necessary. This proposed methodology is based on thermogravimetry coupled with mass spectrometry to quantify polyethylene and polystyrene (PE and PS) MPs through their mass spectrometry signal intensity of characteristic PE (m/z 41, 43 and 56) and PS (m/z 78 and 104) ions. This method has been validated with several organic amendments where the MP content ranged from 52.6 to 4365.7 mg kg-1 for PE-MPs and from 1.1 to 64.3 mg kg-1 for PS-MPs. The proposed methodology is a quick and robust analytical method to quantify MPs in organic amendments that could support new legislation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Martín de la Fuente
- Department of Soil and Water Conservation and Organic Waste Management, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 4195, Murcia, 30080, Spain
| | - Frutos C Marhuenda-Egea
- Department of Agrochemistry and Biochemistry, Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Studies Ramon Margalef, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Margarita Ros
- Department of Soil and Water Conservation and Organic Waste Management, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 4195, Murcia, 30080, Spain
| | - Jose A Pascual
- Department of Soil and Water Conservation and Organic Waste Management, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 4195, Murcia, 30080, Spain
| | - Jose A Saez-Tovar
- GIAAMA Research Group, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Agrochemistry and Environment Department, Miguel Hernández University, Orihuela, 03312, Alicante, Spain
| | - Encarnación Martinez-Sabater
- GIAAMA Research Group, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Agrochemistry and Environment Department, Miguel Hernández University, Orihuela, 03312, Alicante, Spain
| | - Rosa Peñalver
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100, Murcia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shruti VC, Pérez-Guevara F, Roy PD, Kutralam-Muniasamy G. Analyzing microplastics with Nile Red: Emerging trends, challenges, and prospects. J Hazard Mater 2022; 423:127171. [PMID: 34537648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The development and applications of effective analytical techniques for identification and quantification of microplastics in diverse spheres are increasing in the scientific arena. Nile Red (NR) staining has progressed as a low-cost, simple-to-use approach for analyzing the environmental impact of a wide spectrum of microplastics (e.g., ≥ 3 µm - ≤ 5 mm; polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride etc.). Given the recent surge of research into this methodology, it is critical to examine the findings and present future directions. Herein, we review accomplishments to date of the current protocols describing the sample preparation, staining and fluorescence conditions, contamination measures, and data analysis based on 56 field observations focusing on microplastic pollution and NR staining technique. Additionally, we discuss the challenges in current analyses towards standardization and recommendations related to it. Finally, we conclude that, despite methodological discrepancies, the NR method has emerged as a viable standalone substitute for visual identification; yet not all that fluoresce with NR are microplastics, which necessitates extensive sample preparation or additional spectroscopy techniques for chemical analysis to validate the results. This article informs the reader about how the NR technique is advancing microplastic research and identifies current needs for future advancements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V C Shruti
- Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Del. Coyoacán, C.P. 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Fermín Pérez-Guevara
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Program, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Priyadarsi D Roy
- Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Del. Coyoacán, C.P. 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Iri AH, Shahrah MHA, Ali AM, Qadri SA, Erdem T, Ozdur IT, Icoz K. Optical detection of microplastics in water. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28:63860-63866. [PMID: 33462694 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12358-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Unfortunately, the plastic pollution increases at an exponential rate and drastically endangers the marine ecosystem. According to World Health Organization (WHO), microplastics in drinking water have become a concern and may be a risk to human health. One of the major efforts to fight against this problem is developing easy-to-use, low-cost, portable microplastic detection systems. To address this issue, here, we present our prototype device based on an optical system that can help detect the microplastics in water. This system that costs less than $370 is essentially a low-cost Raman spectrometer. It includes a collimated laser (5 mW), a sample holder, a notch filter, a diffraction grating, and a CCD sensor all integrated in a 3D printed case. Our experiments show that our system is capable of detecting microplastics in water having a concentration less than 0.015% w/v. We believe that the designed portable device can find a widespread use all over the world to monitor the microplastic content in an easier and cost-effective manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet H Iri
- Department of Electrical-Electronics Engineering, Abdullah Gül University, Kocasinan, 38080, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Malek H A Shahrah
- Department of Electrical-Electronics Engineering, Abdullah Gül University, Kocasinan, 38080, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ali M Ali
- Department of Electrical-Electronics Engineering, Abdullah Gül University, Kocasinan, 38080, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Sayed A Qadri
- Department of Electrical-Electronics Engineering, Abdullah Gül University, Kocasinan, 38080, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Talha Erdem
- Department of Electrical-Electronics Engineering, Abdullah Gül University, Kocasinan, 38080, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim T Ozdur
- Department of Electrical-Electronics Engineering, Abdullah Gül University, Kocasinan, 38080, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Kutay Icoz
- Department of Electrical-Electronics Engineering, Abdullah Gül University, Kocasinan, 38080, Kayseri, Turkey.
- Opsentia Research and Development, 38030, Kayseri, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lê QT, Ly NH, Kim MK, Lim SH, Son SJ, Zoh KD, Joo SW. Nanostructured Raman substrates for the sensitive detection of submicrometer-sized plastic pollutants in water. J Hazard Mater 2021; 402:123499. [PMID: 32739725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We prepared novel Raman substrates for the sensitive detection of submicron-sized plastic spheres in water. Anisotropic nanostar dimer-embedded nanopore substrates were prepared for the efficient identification of submicron-sized plastic spheres by providing internal hot spots of electromagnetic field enhancements at the tips of nanoparticles. Silver-coated gold nanostars (AuNSs@Ag) were inserted into anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) nanopores for enhanced microplastic (MP) detection. We found that surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates of AuNSs@Ag@AAO yielded stronger signals at the same weight percentages for polystyrene MP particles with diameters as small as 0.4 μm, whereas such behaviors could not be observed for larger MPs (diameters of 0.8 μm, 2.3 μm, and 4.8 μm). The detection limit of the submicrometer-sized 0.4 μm in our Raman measurements were estimated to be 0.005% (∼0.05 mg/g =50 ppm) along with a fast detection time of only a few min without any sample pretreatments. Our nano-sized dimensional matching substrates may provide a useful tool for the application of SERS substrates for submicrometer MP pollutants in water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quang Trung Lê
- Department of Information Communication Convergence Technology, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, Republic of Korea
| | - Nguyễn Hoàng Ly
- Department of Chemistry, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon-Kyung Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Hyuk Lim
- Department of Chemistry, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Jun Son
- Department of Chemistry, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Duk Zoh
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Woo Joo
- Department of Information Communication Convergence Technology, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemistry, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sturm MT, Horn H, Schuhen K. The potential of fluorescent dyes-comparative study of Nile red and three derivatives for the detection of microplastics. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 413:1059-71. [PMID: 33415434 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-03066-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
During the last years, microplastics in the environment came to the fore in environmental science research. For an appropriate risk assessment, it is essential to know the levels of microplastic contamination in the environment. In the field of microplastic detection, extensive research has been carried out in recent years. While common methods such as Raman spectroscopy and pyrolysis GC-MS are time-consuming and require trained staff and expensive equipment, there is the need for a cheap and easily applicable method. Staining microplastics with the fluorescent dye Nile red (NR) has a high potential to fulfill these criteria. In our work, we tested Nile red and newly developed derivatives, with the aim of achieving greater selectivity for plastic particles and more intense fluorescence. In addition, the influence of using different solvents and water at different pH values in the dyeing process was investigated by analyzing solid sample fluorescence spectra of dyed microplastics and natural particles. Finally, the method developed from the acquired knowledge was tested for sea salt. Graphical abstract.
Collapse
|
10
|
Nguyen NB, Kim MK, Le QT, Ngo DN, Zoh KD, Joo SW. Spectroscopic analysis of microplastic contaminants in an urban wastewater treatment plant from Seoul, South Korea. Chemosphere 2021; 263:127812. [PMID: 32822947 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a systematic multi-spectroscopic analysis of microplastics (MPs) sampled from a metropolitan area of Seoul was undertaken to elevate understanding of the role of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in eliminating suspended contaminants including MPs before releasing the effluent water into the environment. We analyzed pollutants in influent and effluent samples from a WWTP in Seoul, South Korea. Spectroscopic and microscopic methods were used to analyze MPs. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy in the wavenumber region between 4000 and 715 cm-1 was employed to estimate the abundance of MPs in wastewater. Stereomicroscope images and Nile red staining were used to facilely identify MPs in both influents and effluents to compare the results with those of FT-IR data. Hyperspectral imaging could identify MPs in the influent sample with the reflection method at 400-900 nm. Our preliminary results indicate that the most observed MPs after the wastewater were filtered by a 45 μm stainless steel mesh filter were polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). The total number of the prevalent MPs in influent samples decreased significantly. Nanostructure particles could be found by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Our combined multi-spectroscopic study should be helpful to provide a guideline for the rapid spectroscopic analysis of freshwater in the Han River, Seoul, South Korea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Binh Nguyen
- Department of Information Communication, Convergence Technology, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, South Korea; Department of Chemistry, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, South Korea
| | - Moon-Kyung Kim
- Institute of Health & Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Quang Trung Le
- Department of Information Communication, Convergence Technology, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, South Korea; Department of Chemistry, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, South Korea
| | - Dinh Nghi Ngo
- Department of Information Communication, Convergence Technology, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, South Korea; Department of Chemistry, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Duk Zoh
- Institute of Health & Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Sang-Woo Joo
- Department of Information Communication, Convergence Technology, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, South Korea; Department of Chemistry, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Konde S, Ornik J, Prume JA, Taiber J, Koch M. Exploring the potential of photoluminescence spectroscopy in combination with Nile Red staining for microplastic detection. Mar Pollut Bull 2020; 159:111475. [PMID: 32692678 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The significant amount of plastic litter in the form of microplastics (size <5 mm) is garnering attention owing to its potential threat to marine life. Reliable, cost- and time-efficient analysis methods for monitoring microplastic abundance globally are still missing. Several studies proposed a fast detection method by binding the solvatochromic dye Nile Red on the surface of microplastics and using fluorescence microscopy for their detection. All the staining approaches reported so far differ in terms of Nile Red concentration, solvents, and staining procedure. Here, we compare the staining protocols published prior to 2019 and propose an optimized staining protocol. Furthermore, we explore the potential of Nile Red staining in combination with photoluminescence spectroscopy to identify the polymer type and to distinguish plastics from non-plastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Srumika Konde
- Department of Physics and Material Sciences Center, Philipps-University of Marburg, Germany.
| | - Jan Ornik
- Department of Physics and Material Sciences Center, Philipps-University of Marburg, Germany
| | - Julia Anna Prume
- Department of Physics and Material Sciences Center, Philipps-University of Marburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Taiber
- Department of Physics and Material Sciences Center, Philipps-University of Marburg, Germany
| | - Martin Koch
- Department of Physics and Material Sciences Center, Philipps-University of Marburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|