Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy: An analytical technique for microplastic identification and quantification

Microplastics (MPs) have become the talk of the century globally and hence taken the center stage of major research works especially in the environmental sector. In this study, the sources, types, and effects of microplastics are examined. The paper also reviews the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and its use in identifying and quantifying microplastics in environmental samples compared with other analytical techniques. There is also a critical look at the advantages and drawbacks of FTIR for microplastic analysis, including its ability to identify and describe microplastics in a variety of environmental matrices compared with other viable analytical methods commonly used for microplastics identification. There was also a highlight on the current research and development efforts aimed at improving FTIR techniques for microplastic analysis, particularly low-concentration quantification. However, of all the techniques, the FTIR method is seen as an excellent tool especially in detecting functional groups in environmental samples and assessing microplastics amounting to several studies either using it solely or in addition with other techniques.