Analysis of Microplastics using FTIR Imaging: Application Note

In recent years, plastic pollution has received an increasing amount of interest from researchers, politicians, and the public. Microplastics (<5 mm) are a particular concern as they are suspected to accumulate in the environment and aquatic life [1]. Microplastics originate from various sources and can remain in the environment for hundreds of years before they finally decompose. However, the accumulation level and the effects on the environment and aquatic life are poorly understood. This is partly due to a lack of standard analysis protocols and current analytical techniques that are prohibitively time consuming and thus impractical.