SEM/EDS and optical microscopy analysis of microplastics

Microplastics are threatening materials directly produced by anthropogenic activities or resulting products of macroplastic degradation. Extended scientific research is being carried out on micro-/nanoplastics due to their relentless and increasing presence in the marine ecosystem with unpredicted ecological consequences. Thus, assessment of origin, life cycle, chemical nature, or composition of such polymer-based materials is essential and extremely valuable. The application of optical and electron (SEM/EDS) microscopy on the analysis and characterization of micro-/nanoplastics in aquatic environment is described in this chapter. It focuses on the benefits of using optical and electron imaging techniques for the detection and characterization of microplastics. Currently, these advanced imaging and analytical techniques have been essential in the categorization of such pollutants and other toxic substances that may be adsorbed at their surface. The emerging importance of SEM/EDS in the identification of microplastic-associated pollutants such as toxic metals is addressed. Suggestions for appropriate sample preparation and observation of these micromaterials under a microscope are briefly discussed. This chapter also highlights the importance of combining optical microscopy with spectroscopic techniques such as infrared and Raman scattering since it further enables precise chemical identification and analysis of microplastics. Ultimately, the collective use of SEM/EDS and optical microscopy associated with the spectroscopic analytical tools results in the most powerful strategy for accurate microplastic analysis.publishe