Identifying microplastic litter with Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: A first approach

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2021-10, Vol.171, p.112789, Article 112789
• Main Authors: Sommer, C., Schneider, L.M., Nguyen, J., Prume, J.A., Lautze, K., Koch, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical methods; Chemical composition; Environmental studies; Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy; Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS); Lasers; Litter; Microparticles; Microplastic; Microplastics; Plastic debris; Plastic identification; Plastic pollution; Plastics; Polymers; Sediment sample; Spectra; Spectroscopy; Spectrum analysis
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112789

The broad diversity of microplastic litter requires a selection of analytical techniques to reliably determine the particle's chemical composition. This study demonstrates that Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) can identify microplastic particles based on their spectral fingerprints. By studying the spectral features of polymer reference spectra, microplastic litter can be distinguished from non-plastic materials. The results show that LIBS can be used as a fast in-situ technique for pre-characterization of the microparticle's material and is a possible tool for environmental studies on microplastics. •Spectroscopic identification approach for microplastics.•The study shows that LIBS is a possible characterization method for microplastics.•PA, PE, PP, PVC, PET, PC, and PS bulk samples were analyzed, compared with 14 non-plastic samples, and ultimately classified.•45 microparticles were analyzed, 29 of which were microplastics.