A simple method for mapping microplastics filter collectors for microscopic analyses

Abstract

Microplastic has stood out as one of the main contaminants derived from plastic wastes due to its slow decomposition rate and dangers to the aquatic environment, the ecosystem, and even human health. However, microplastic fragment detection, identification, removal, and quantification remain a challenge. One of the main methods of removing these fragments is the filtration process using filter membranes such as paper, glass fibers, wool, etc. Among several techniques for localizing and identifying these fragments, optical microscopy is an easily accessible alternative, however, the spatialization to locate these fragments has become a challenge for equipment operators. This work proposes a simple spatialization system using coordinates that reduce operation time to make the localization of microplastic fragments onto collector filters easy. In addition to the use of an optical microscope, a micro-Raman was used to demonstrate the efficiency of this spatialization system even in another type of microscope, reducing the operating time from 2 hours and 45 minutes to approximately 2 minutes and 20 seconds, making the search for the fragment more effective and consequently, a faster analysis process.