Raman spectroscopy for microplastic detection in water sources: a systematic review

Abstract The increasing demand and use of plastics in our daily lives have caused an increase in microplastics (MPs) concentration in water bodies. Increasing MP in water affects aquatic life and is associated with several health issues. All sources of water whether fresh, marine, or sewage have reported the presence of various MPs. It is clear from relevant literature that the presence of MP with a particular chemical composition could be indicative of its source and could contribute to its removal. Increasing population density, plastic litters, fishing activities, and industrial wastes are major contributors of MP in water. This review is systematically undertaken where Raman spectroscopy (RS) is used as an indispensable tool to identify the chemical composition of the MP in various water sources (fresh/ground/drinking; ocean/sea; waste/sewage) between 2015 and 2021. Based on the Raman spectra, polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) are some of the common MP identified in the water sources.