Microplastics Analysis

— Analytical methods with FTIR and Raman —

 Microplastics Analysis
Microplastics, which are generally less than 5 mm in size, have raised concerns about accidental ingestion by marine
organisms, contamination of commercial drinking water, and health hazards to those who consume them. As a result,
there is a growing movement to investigate the effects of the microplastics. JASCO FTIR and Raman spectrometers can
easily perform various types of microplastics analysis.

Use of different instruments depending on size

JASCO offers instruments capable of analyzing microplastics in a wide range of sizes from a few millimeters to sub-micron
orders.
5 mm 1 mm 500 µm 100 µm 50 µm 10 µm 5 µm 1 µm

FTIR spectrometer (FTIR)

FTIR Microscope (IRT)

Raman spectrometer (NRS)

FTIR spectrometer FT I R

FTIR spectrometer can be used for qualitative analysis of microplastics over several hundred microns. The measurement
results of polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are shown here.

Sample photo Sample spectrum

PE + CaCO3

Polyethylene Long axis : 574 µm Abs

(PE) Short axis : 371 µm

4000 3000 2000 1000 400

Wavenumber [cm–1]

PET
Polyethylene Long axis : 188 µm Abs
terephthalate
Short axis : 83 µm
(PET)

4000 3000 2000 1000 400

Wavenumber [cm–1]

2 FTIR — FTIR spectrometer IRT — FTIR Microscope NR S — Raman Microscope

 FTIR Microscope IRT

FTIR microscope can be used to analyze microplastics as small as 5 µm to 10 µm in length. Qualitative analysis is of course
possible, imaging measurements can be used to visualize the distribution of components, and particle size analysis is also
possible. These are example imaging analysis data about several kinds of filtrated samples using of polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE) filter as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) in water.

Abs = 0.5 Absorption bands of PTFE

PS

PE PS
Abs PE
PP PP
PVC
PVC PET

PET

4000 3000 2000 1000 650 100 µm

Wavenumber [cm–1]
Averaged spectra of each component Chemical Image (peak height)

20
8
2 PS : 1 3
2 PE : 1 0
15 0 PP : 5
1 PVC : 1
2 PET : 7
3 2 0 Total : 36
Qty. 10 2 0 1
0 0 0 1 0
0 2 1 1 0 1 0 0
0 1 2 0 0 1 0
5
0 0 0 0 1
0 0 1 0 0
1 0 0
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
Size [µm]
Stacked histograms by component
Those samples and data obtained by FTIR microscope were provided by TOSOH Analysis and Research Center Co., Ltd. Application Data 100-MT-0262

Raman Microscope NR S

Raman microscope can be used for microplastics sample analysis as sub-micron order. In addition to qualitative analysis,
mapping measurement enables visualization of component distribution as well as FTIR microscope, and particle size analysis
is also available. Here are the results of our measurements of Airborne Microplastics (AMPs).

Zoom Zoom
2.0
4.0

1.5 2.0
PET
3 µm 3 µm

Measurement point Int.

Measurement point

Polyhydroxy butyric acid (PHB)

Microscope observation 10 µm

3800 3000 2000 1000 100

Raman Shift [cm–1]
Measurement Results of Airborne Microplastics (AMPs)
Those samples were provided by Prof. Okochi of Waseda University. Application Data 100-AN-0031

3
 Macro analysis of Microplastics
Microplastics from several mm to several hundred µm can be easily measured using FTIR ATR method. ATR is a contact
sampling method in FTIR reflection measurement.

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer : FTIR

The FT/IR-4X is a powerful Mid-IR FTIR spectrometer, with many features that you find
in a research grade instrument, which has high resolution, High S/N and high sensitivity
analysis performance.
FT/IR-4X with ATR PRO 4X VIEW

ATR PRO 4X VIEW : ATR PRO ONE X VIEW FT I R

ATR PRO 4X VIEW / ATR PRO ONE X VIEW are ATR accessories for FTIR that
allow you to measure sample while observing sample surface through crystal.
This observation function helps to confirm proper sample contact condition
even for several hundred µm order samples and enables to measure it.
Images and spectra of samples closely adhering to the ATR crystal can be
100 µm
saved in a single file.
ATR PRO 4X VIEW and Close contact with
ATR PRO ONE X VIEW ATR crystal sample (PP) image
Application Data 030-AT-0275

USB Microscope kit FT I R

This USB Microscope kit is a complete package for microscope observation for FT/IR-4X. This kit can be
added to ATR accessory and observation view on the top of crystal can be obtained before measurement.
Furthermore, such observation view data and spectra data can be saved in the same file. Even if sample is
quite small, this kit supports to handle sample setting with each because sample can be set on ATR crystal
while checking the observation view from USB microscope.
* Any accessories from ATR PRO 4X, ATR PRO 4X VIEW, ATR PRO ONE X and ATR PRO ONE X VIEW are necessary. FT/IR-4X with USB Microscope kit

SWITCH with EASE USB microscope

IMAGE
ATR

between
ACQUISITION MEASUREMENT
USB IMAGE
microscope
ACQUISITION
&
ATR MEASUREMENT

USB microscope image

0.002
PP
Measurement Spectrum

ATR close-up image *

Abs

SAVE
5
23
22
9

in 1 FILE 1000 µm 4000 3000 2000

Wavenumber [cm–1]
1000 600

* Sample observation image that contacted with ATR crystal can be obtained with Sample: Microplastics collected from lake water
use of ATR PRO 4X VIEW or ATR PRO ONE X VIEW.

Those samples were provided by e-kagaku Biwako Environment Project 2021 (SEP2021). Application Data 030-AT-0275

4
Advanced Spectra Search FTIR IRT

It has two functions "Classification" and "Spectra Search", which support analyzing spectra easily and precisely. The "Classification" function
recognizes 35 types of compounds based on a machine learning from various materials and high molecular spectra. It also shows key bands of
compound so that an operator confirm a validity of results. The "Spectra Search" function performs searching from approximately 600 spectra library.

3 4

1 Measured spectrum 2 Reference spectrum 3 Result list 4 Advice function

Easy to compare with 2 A reference spectrum of the selected category Score and sample name are displayed Supports for understanding the result

Some microplastics are degraded in a certain environment and it might appear on the spectrum changes. It may show incorrect search results on
a spectrum library search. The "Classification" function still works in such conditions because it focuses on key bands on the spectrum and is not
affected by the degradation. The Advanced Spectra Search is a useful software for analyzing microplastics in various types and conditions.

Application Data 280-AN-0274

IR plastics library FTIR IRT

This is a dedicated library for microplastics including 39 types, 153 IR spectra. It improves the search result of a spectra library. It also includes
cellulose and rubbers in the library, which are typically found in environmental conditions to identify whether it is plastic or not.

Library list

Low-density polyethylene, LDPE High-density polyethylene, HDPE Polypropylene, PP Polyvinyl chloride, PVC

Polystyrene, PS Foamed polystyrene Polyamide, PA Polycarbonate, PC

Poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET Polyester Polyurethane, PU Poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA

Poly(butylene succinate)-poly(lactic acid)

Polyvinyl alcohol, PVA Polyimide Artificial turf
copolymer, PBS-PLA copolymer

Polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, ABS Epoxy resin, EP Phenol formaldehyde, PF

Polyethersulfone, PES Polyetherimide, PEI Polyphenylene sulfide, PPS Polybutylene terephthalate, PBT

Acrylic fiber Cellulose acetate Aramid Cupro, Cuprammonium rayon

Polynosic, Modal Viscose rayon Silk Wool

Cotton Cellulose Styrene-butadiene rubber, SBR Ethylene-propylene rubber

Isobutylene-isoprene rubber, IIR cis-1,4-Polyisoprene rubber trans-1,4-Polyisoprene rubber

Application Data 280-AN-0274

5
 Microplastics obtained with filtration
Microplastics smaller than hundreds of µm can be measured with the micro FTIR and micro Raman while they are placed
on the membrane filter. JASCO micro FTIR and Raman measure one/multi points, imaging with the exactly same point,
area between both instruments.

Micro FTIR spectrometer

Micro FTIR observes and measures small samples with microscope function. It also
performs imaging measurements, creates chemical images and particle analysis. Micro
FTIR obtains information of materials such as polyethylene and polypropylene.

IRT-7200 with FT/IR-4X

Micro Raman spectrometer

Micro Raman has higher spatial resolution compared to the micro FTIR, so it can
measure microplastics in the µm range which are difficult to measure with the micro
FTIR. The micro Raman also detects additives, pigments in addition to base materials.

NRS-4500

VFS-25-1 Filtration set FTIR IRT NRS

Combined with the filtration set and 25 mm dia. membrane filter, microplastics are filtered on
it. Various types of materials and pore size filters are available (sold separately). Membrane filter
* Aspirator or dry scroll pump is required separately. (sold separately)

Lineup of membrane filter

No. Material Pore size
1 PTFE 10 µm
2 PTFE 5 µm
3 PTFE 1 µm
4 Alumina 0.2 µm
Filtration set

Application Data 110-MT-0271

SH02-FH Filter holder IRT NRS

This is a dedicated holder for the 25 mm dia. membrane filter. It can be set on the sharing holder and used on the micro FTIR and Raman.
* SH-02 sharing holder plate or iQ frame is required.

Set the membrane filter. Fix with the plate cover. Set on the sharing holder.

Application Data 030-MT-0276 030-AN-0040

6
Advanced Search NAV IRT NR S
Conditate measurement positions are automatically recognized in real time. These dedicated points can be registered as measurement positions at
once. It is possible to target measurement positions in detail by setting parameters related to such characteristics. The acquired spectrum is matched
with JASCO’s original database, and the names of the hit substances are displayed on the observation image.
* Only the NRS series can narrow down the number of measurements point.

NARROW TARGETING by S6

DOWN

AUTOMATIC RECOGNITION
S5

SIZE
S4
THE
MEASUREMENT S3
S2

POINTS S1

SIZE SMALL ● … Detection parts SIZE LARGE ● … Detection parts

TARGETING by
PS

AUTOMATIC RECOGNITION
PS

COLOR
PET

PMMA TiO2
TiO2

COLOR RED ● … Detection parts COLOR BLUE ● … Detection parts Real-time

component identification

Application Data 260-AN-0018

iQ Frame IRT NR S
The iQ Frame easily measures the same minute region and the same point IR spectroscopy and Raman
spectroscopy. Both methods are known as a complementary method to analyze information of molecules. For
this reason, the iQ Frame has a multilateral analysis result can be obtained by combining both measurements.

Sample observation image Chemical image (Peak-height) Spectrum

■:PE PTFE absorption band

Abs
IR spectroscopy

50µm 4000 3000 2000 1000 600

Wavenumber [cm–1]

■ :PE (Yellow)
■:PE (Blue)

Int.
Raman spectroscopy

50µm 3800 3000 2000 1000 100

Raman Shift [cm–1]
Example of composite analysis of IR and Raman by the iQ Frame.
Application Data 100-MT-0270 100-AN-0034

JASCO Particle Analysis IRT NR S

The JASCO Particle Analysis program enables the acquisition of shape and color information about sample from color maps and observation images.
Histograms, frequency distributions, and correlation distributions can be created based on the obtained information. Additionally, it is also possible
to create the stacked histograms for each component.
1
No. Image Centroid-X Centroid-Y Size 12
15 2
1 9.8 8.2 10.482

2 16.2 15.2 9.480

10
Qty. 2
1
3 102.6 17.3 9.364 4

4 26.7 30.7 9.667 5

2
1 0
0 0
5 39.4 40.4 9.648 0
0
4 6 8 10 12 14 16
6 42.1 50.0 9.641
Size [µm]

Measurement result Character of each particles Stacked histogram

Application Data 100-MT-0270 100-AN-0034

7
LIST OF ACCESSORIES FOR EACH MODEL
FT/IR-X series (FT/IR-4X, FT/IR-6X, FT/IR-8X)
ATR PRO 4X ATR PRO 4X Single reflection ATR accessory with iQX Accessory, for FT/IR-4X only
ATR PRO 4X VIEW ATR PRO 4X VIEW Single reflection ATR accessory with camera with iQX Accessory, for FT/IR-4X only
ATR PRO ONE X ATR PRO ONE X Single reflection ATR accessory with iQX Accessory, for 6X/8X
ATR PRO ONE X VIEW ATR PRO ONE X VIEW Single reflection ATR accessory with camera with iQX Accessory, for 6X/8X
USB Microscope set (Custom-made)
Components
USB Microscope for observation
USB Microscope-ATR Mounting unit for ATR PRO 4X, ATR PRO 4X VIEW, ATR PRO ONE
Mask for microscope observation
Micro Imaging Analysis Program (including Scale Correction function)
* ATR PRO 4X, ATR PRO 4X VIEW, ATR PRO ONE or ATR PRO ONE VIEW is required.

ADSS-4X ADSS-4X Advanced Spectra Search program for Spectra Manager 2.5
LIB-PLA-ADSS LIB-PLA-ADSS IR plastics library * ADSS-4X is required

IRT series and NRS series Microscopes

JPA JASCO Particle Analysis
SH02-FH SH02-FH Filter holder * SH02 Sharing holder plate (SH02, SH02-IR or SH02-RM) is required.
SH02 SH02 Sharing holder plate (plate only)
VFS-25-1 Filtration set for micro plastic preparation, 25 mm dia.
Components
VFS-25-1 Suction filter bottle, Funnel, Base, Clamp, Silicone stopper
* This set does not include an aspirator or dry vacuum pump.

MF25-PTFE10 MF25-PTFE10, PTFE Membrane Filters for VFS-25

MF25-PTFE5 MF25-PTFE5, PTFE Membrane Filters for VFS-25
MF25-PTFE1 MF25-PTFE1, PTFE Membrane Filters for VFS-25
MF25-AL02 MF25-AL02, Aluminum Oxide Membrane Filters for VFS-25

IRT series (IRT-7200, IRT-7100, IRT-5200) NRS series (NRS-4500, NRS-5500, NRS-7500)
ASN-IR-X ASN-IR-X IR Advanced Search NAV for Spectra Manager 2.5 ASN-457 Advanced Search NAV
ADSS-4X ADSS-4X Advanced Spectra Search program for Spectra Manager 2.5 SH02-RM Sharing holder & iQ Frame for Raman
LIB-PLA-ADSS LIB-PLA-ADSS IR plastics library * ADSS-4X is required.
SH02-IR Sharing holder & iQ Frame for IR

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