FTIR and Raman Spectroscopy for Microplastic Analysis

The goals and objectives of the experiment were to use FTIR and Raman spectroscopy in the development of a methodology for the isolation and analysis of microplastic particles.

Use filters that allow direct spectroscopic analysis in order to isolate microplastic particles from solutions.

Use image analysis to determine the size and shape of the microplastic particles.

Use FTIR or Raman spectroscopy to identify the type of microplastic through matching to spectral databases.

Experimental

A commercially available 500 ml bottle of drinking water was used as the drinking water sample.

Both the silicon filters and the filtering apparatus were taken from the Thermo Scientific™ Microparticle Sample Preparation Kit.

As shown in Figure 1, a Thermo Scientific™ Nicolet™ iN10 MX FTIR Microscope or a Thermo Scientific™ DXR2 Raman Microscope was used to carry out the particle analysis.

Automated particle analysis was carried out using the Particle Wizard option in the Thermo Scientific™ OMNIC™ Picta™ Software for the iN10 MX FTIR Microscope and the Thermo Scientific™ Altµs Particle Analysis option in the Thermo Scientific™ OMNIC™ for Dispersive Raman Software for the DXR2 Raman Microscope.

(a) Thermo Scientific Nicolet iN10 MX FTIR Microscope, (b) Thermo Scientific DXR2 Raman Microscope.

Figure 1. (a) Thermo Scientific Nicolet iN10 MX FTIR Microscope, (b) Thermo Scientific DXR2 Raman Microscope.

Sample Preparation

Filtration is normally used to isolate microplastic particles.

Direct analysis should be enabled with the chosen filter material.

When evaluating the different types of filter materials in Table 1, the following aspects were considered:

  • Is it compatible with both FTIR & Raman? (Same type of filter for both)
  • Does it give a good visual image? (Crucial for image analysis)

The best overall choice was the silicon filter.

Table 1. Evaluation of common types of filters.

Filter type Advantages Disadvantages FTIR Raman

Gold coated Polycarbonate

ImageForArticle_18941_15809714406325095.png

Readily available Does not lay flat

Expensive
Good choice for reflection Possible to see polycarbonate peaks through gold

Some broad baseline offset with some lasers

Silver

ImageForArticle_18941_15809714460164374.png

All metal

Less expensive than gold coated
More rigid than gold coated PC

More of a textured surface at high magnification

More reactivesurface - reported problems with pH of carbonated water
Reasonable for reflection – less reflective than gold Some spectral artifacts from filters themselves (highest with 20X but less at higher magnification)

Al2O3

ImageForArticle_18941_15809714531677556.png

Readily available

More rigid

Transmitted light possible if intense enough

Less expensive option
Delicate – easily broken Visual images – contrast an issue – surface not clearly defined. Some features on surface that might be detected as particles Can be used in transmission but limited to > 1250 cm-1

Some spectral peaks and some variation in peaks over the filter.

Reflection weak
Some Raman spectral contributions from the filters – broad features

Baseline offsets

Laser light transmits through

Silicon

ImageForArticle_18941_15809714572163977.png

Rigid

Good visible images
Square

Needs gasket development

Fragile

Expensive
Transmission

Some variation across filter (filter background: (Si-O)) – broad baseline offset

Reflection not as good as gold
Silicon peaks

 

Modifications to Filtering Apparatus

  • The filtering apparatus required adapting in order to accommodate square silicon filters. As shown in Figure 2, gaskets were added to protect the brittle silicon filters and to modify the shape of the glassware.

Modifications to the filtering apparatus to support square silicon filters.

Figure 2. Modifications to the filtering apparatus to support square silicon filters.

Workflow for Spectroscopic Analysis

As shown in Figure 3, FTIR and Raman Analysis had a similar workflow.

Particle analysis workflow.

Figure 3. Particle analysis workflow

Step 2: Select the particles

Adjust sensitivity – contrast differences

Adjust size sieve

Step 3: Collect the spectra automatically from targeted particles

Step 4: Report the results in terms of:

The size and shape from image analysis

Identification from FTIR or Raman Spectra

Finally, identify which plastics are not microplastics (protein, minerals, biological, etc.)

Table 2. Summary of Microplastic Results.

Type of microplastic FTIR
(total particles – 801)
Raman
(total particles 1065)
PTFE 5 9
Polyester (PET) 3 3
Polystyrene Not observed 3
Polypropylene 3 3
Unspecific long chain aliphatic hydrocarbon containing materials 2 1
Polyethylene 2 1

 

Conclusions

When identifying different types of polymers, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy are well suited. The analysis of very small particles is possible with micro-spectroscopy. An important aspect to consider for the facilitation of the direct FTIR and Raman analysis of particles on the filter is the selection of an appropriate filter material. Silicon filters provide both good visual properties and suitable spectroscopic properties.

Image analysis of visual images provides a basis for targeting particles and allows the size and shape to be determined. The particles are identified by the FTIR and Raman spectral analysis. In conclusion, this is a good approach for the characterization of microplastic particles.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific – Materials & Structural Analysis.

For more information on this source, please visit Thermo Fisher Scientific – Materials & Structural Analysis.

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