Perform Microplastics Analysis More Quickly and Accurately

Importance of the Topic

Microplastics in the environment pose health and ecological risks. Rapid, accurate quantification of particle size, mass, and composition is essential for monitoring contamination and guiding remediation strategies.

Objectives and Overview

This work presents a particle analysis add-on for the AMsolution platform used with AIMsight infrared and AIRsight infrared/Raman microscopes. The module automates the measurement of major and minor axes, estimated mass, and volume of multiple particles, delivering graphical and tabular outputs for comprehensive microplastics assessment.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The analysis relies on the optional High-Speed Mapping Program integrated with chemical imaging data. Particle segmentation and identification are achieved via user-configured similarity algorithms and threshold settings, with aspect ratio filters to exclude fibers when required. Key instrumentation includes:

• AIMsight infrared microscope
• AIRsight infrared/Raman microscope
• Optional High-Speed Mapping module
• Particle Filter (PF) holder for flat membrane support

Estimated mass and volume calculations use the empirical formula log10(M)=b·log10(S)+a, based on Kataoka et al. (a=−1.12, b=1.14).

Main Results and Discussion

Validation studies demonstrated a linear relationship between projected area and mass over thousands of particles, confirming the robustness of the mass estimation model. The software's batch processing capability produced consistent size distributions and compositional maps. Interactive tables and graphs allow users to highlight individual particles and compare component ratios.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The particle analysis program accelerates microplastics screening, reduces manual effort, and enhances data reproducibility. It is applicable to environmental monitoring, quality control, and contamination analysis in diverse fields.

Future Trends and Applications

Advances may include machine learning-driven classification, expanded polymer libraries for improved specificity, and real-time analysis integration. Further development could enable in-field portable systems for rapid, on-site assessments.

Conclusion

The implemented add-on for AIMsight/AIRsight platforms offers a streamlined, accurate solution for microplastics quantification, facilitating environmental and industrial applications.

Reference

Tomoya Kataoka et al. Geometric relationship between the projected surface area and mass of a plastic particle. Water Research. 2024;261:122061.