classification, followed by the application of more complex techniques such as
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (Fig. 1.2), micro Raman, scanning electron
microscopy, the application of pigments such as Nile red, or gas chromatographymass spectrometry (Eriksen et al. 2014; Godoy et al. 2019; Maes et al. 2017; RochaSantos and Duarte 2017). The objectives are to identify the composition of the
microplastics, the presence of additives, and the morphology and determine the size.
The use of one or other technique depends to a great extent on the size of the
microplastic, the type of extraction previously done, the nature of the original
sample, or simply on the techniques available in each laboratory.
In the present chapter, research has dedicated to the distribution of microplastics
in marine and freshwaterenvironments around the world, providing data on concentrations and characterization of these particles. Prior to this research, the main
sources of current microplastic emissions have also been described, as well as the
most frequent techniques used in the characterization of these microparticles.
Fig. 1.2 Analysis of microplastics in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy equipment, in order
to find out their chemical composition
4
V. Godoy et al.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (Fig. 1.2), micro Raman, scanning electron
microscopy, the application of pigments such as Nile red, or gas chromatographymass spectrometry (Eriksen et al. 2014; Godoy et al. 2019; Maes et al. 2017; RochaSantos and Duarte 2017). The objectives are to identify the composition of the
microplastics, the presence of additives, and the morphology and determine the size.
The use of one or other technique depends to a great extent on the size of the
microplastic, the type of extraction previously done, the nature of the original
sample, or simply on the techniques available in each laboratory.
In the present chapter, research has dedicated to the distribution of microplastics
in marine and freshwaterenvironments around the world, providing data on concentrations and characterization of these particles. Prior to this research, the main
sources of current microplastic emissions have also been described, as well as the
most frequent techniques used in the characterization of these microparticles.
Fig. 1.2 Analysis of microplastics in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy equipment, in order
to find out their chemical composition
4
V. Godoy et al.