Abstract:
The assessment & mitigation of microplastics (MPs) pollution in the aquatic environment is a major problem that the world is presently experiencing. This study comprehensively reviewed the existing literature to explore (a) the prevailing types, abundance, distribution & toxicity of MP in the aquatic environment, and (b) the MP investigation techniques. The key problem is the disparity of MP detection methodologies. Hence, conducting subsequent spectroscopic analysis to validate the identification results, for which Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) & Raman spectroscopies are the best-suited techniques is necessary. The joint use of spectroscopic techniques & extended equipment Focal Plane Array - FTIR and Thermo Extraction and Desorption coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (FPA-FTIR & TED-GC-MS) able to enhance the identification. Future research should focus on establishing standardized methodologies for sampling & extracting MPs & developing highly efficient fully or semi-automated analytical techniques to facilitate rapid & accurate identification & quantification of MP.
