Easy and accessible way to calibrate a fluorescence microscope and to create a microplastic identification key.
MethodsX
; 10: 102053, 2023.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36824995
ABSTRACT
We present here a technique for setting up detection limits on any fluorescent microscope in conjunction with the fluorophore Nile Red for microplastic identification. Our method also describes a rigorous morphology-specific identification key for microplastics to reduce subjectivity between researchers. The detection limits were established for nine common polymer types and five natural substrates which could result in false-positive signals when using Nile Red for microplastic identification. This method was then applied to real freshwater samples and identified particles were validated with micro-FTIR or Raman spectroscopy. This approach may reduce subjectivity in microplastic identification and counting and enhances transparency, repeatability and harmonization within microplastic research community.â¢Instructions for calibration of detection limits for microplastics on fluorescence microscope systems describedâ¢Microplastic identification key developed and tested to reduce false positive detectionâ¢Lower subjectivity for microplastic identification obtained using the detection limits & identification key.
An easy guide for setting up fluorescence detection limits and a identification key for microplastics identification using Nile Red and fluorescence microscopy.; Detection; Detection limits; Fibres; Fluorescence microscopy; Fragments; Identification; Identification key; Microplastics; Nile Red; Particle counting
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
Language:
En
Journal:
MethodsX
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Reino Unido