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A highly accurate and semi-automated method for quantifying spherical microplastics based on digital slide scanners
Yu Tang1, Jie Yao2, Zekun Dong1
1College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
Environmental Research
|February 16, 2024
Summary
A new method, VS120-MC, accurately quantifies spherical microplastics (MPs) in water. This automated tool offers a fast and reliable alternative to manual counting for environmental research.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Water Quality Monitoring
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are emerging water pollutants requiring accurate quantification.
- Manual counting of spherical MPs is time-consuming and prone to errors.
- Existing semi-automated methods lack robustness for MP analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a highly accurate and efficient quantification method for spherical microplastics (MPs).
- To introduce the VS120-MC system, integrating a digital slide scanner and image processing software.
- To overcome limitations of traditional sampling and manual analysis in MP research.
Main Methods:
- Developed the VS120-MC system, combining the VS120 digital slide scanner and MPs-Counter software.
- Utilized full-area scanning photography to avoid sampling errors.
- Implemented the Weak-Circle Elimination Algorithm (WEA) and Variable Coefficient Threshold (VCT) for batch recognition.
Main Results:
- Achieved a recognition error rate below 0.6% for simulated images with fast processing (2s/image).
- Successfully detected spherical MPs as small as 1 μm.
- Demonstrated strong linear relationships (R² > 0.97) between VS120-MC and manual measurements in real water samples.
Conclusions:
- VS120-MC provides an accurate, efficient, and stable tool for spherical MP quantification.
- The method eliminates errors associated with traditional photography and manual counting.
- Offers a reliable alternative for microplastic analysis in environmental monitoring and research.
