Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
10:16
Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis
Published on: December 16, 2016
A beaker method for determination of microplastic concentration by micro-Raman spectroscopy
Zijiang Yang1, Hisayuki Arakawa1
1Department of Ocean Sciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
Methodsx
|July 14, 2023
Summary
Raman spectroscopy offers a faster way to measure small microplastics (SMPs) in water compared to FT-IR. A new method uses Raman spectra to directly estimate SMP concentration, simplifying marine monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy for small microplastic (SMP) analysis is hindered by time-consuming sample preparation.
- Raman spectroscopy presents an alternative due to its water tolerance and direct measurement capabilities for SMPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a direct method for estimating small microplastic concentration in aquatic environments using Raman spectroscopy.
- To establish a quantitative relationship between Raman spectral data and microplastic concentration.
Main Methods:
- Direct measurement of small microplastic samples in water using Raman spectroscopy.
- Establishing a correlation between spectral data and known concentrations of standard polyethylene (PE) samples.
- Applying baseline correction to acquired spectra to reveal characteristic plastic peaks.
Main Results:
- Average Raman spectra from water solutions effectively represented plastic characteristics post-baseline correction.
- A significant functional relationship was identified between spectral correlation coefficients and PE particle concentration.
- This relationship was successfully modeled using the Langmuir model.
Conclusions:
- The developed empirical functional relationship enables direct estimation of small microplastic concentrations from average Raman spectra.
- This methodology supports the development of rapid and efficient methods for microplastic identification and monitoring in marine environments.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Raman Spectroscopy: Overview
468
The underlying principle of Raman spectroscopy is based on the interaction between light and matter, specifically molecules' inelastic scattering of photons. When a monochromatic beam of light, typically from a laser source, interacts with a sample, most scattered light has the same frequency as the incident light. This is known as Rayleigh scattering.
However, a small fraction of the scattered light exhibits a frequency shift due to the exchange of energy between the incident photons and...
However, a small fraction of the scattered light exhibits a frequency shift due to the exchange of energy between the incident photons and...
468
01:26Raman Spectroscopy Instrumentation: Overview
465
A conventional Raman spectrophotometer includes a laser source, a sample holding system, a wavelength selector, and a detector.
The monochromatic laser source, typically using visible or near-infrared radiation, generates a highly focused beam of light. This light interacts with the molecules of the sample, scattering some of the light. Liquid and gaseous samples are usually tested in ordinary glass capillaries, while solids can be analyzed as powders packed in capillaries or as potassium...
The monochromatic laser source, typically using visible or near-infrared radiation, generates a highly focused beam of light. This light interacts with the molecules of the sample, scattering some of the light. Liquid and gaseous samples are usually tested in ordinary glass capillaries, while solids can be analyzed as powders packed in capillaries or as potassium...
465