Portable detection methods for marine micro–nano-plastics

Abstract

Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste enter the ocean, gradually breaking into micro–nano-plastics, threatening the ecosystem and human health. The detection of marine micro–nano-plastics is an important link in assessing ecological risks and guiding the implementation of governance. The traditional detection technologies rely on complex equipment and pretreatment, making it difficult to achieve rapid and on-site detection of micro–nano-plastics in seawater environments. Portable detection methods, which can be used for on-site and rapid detection of marine micro–nano-plastics, thus attract more and more attention. Herein, recent existing portable detection methods for marine micro–nano-plastics are introduced. Firstly, the conventional methods of marine micro–nano-plastic sensors and the corresponding advances in portable areas are presented. The conventional methods include pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Then, the novel portable detection methods developed in the recent 5 years for marine micro–nano-plastics are discussed, such as photoluminescence spectroscopy, triboelectric nanogenerator-based self-powered sensors and electrochemical sensors. Finally, the challenges in the development of portable detection methods for marine micro–nano-plastics are demonstrated for practical application.