Adaptable plasmonic membrane sensors for fast and reliable detection of trace low micrometer microplastics in lake water

Environmental Science and Technology
By: , and 

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Abstract

In freshwater environments, low-micrometer microplastics (LMMPs) have captured significant attention due to their prevalence and toxicity. Yet, rapid detection of LMMPs (1–10 μm) at the single-particle level within complex freshwater matrices remains a hurdle. We developed an adaptable plasmonic membrane sensor for fast detection of individual LMMPs in eutrophic lake waters. The plasmonic membrane sensor functions both as a membrane filter and as a sensor for LMMP collection and analysis. Among the four types of membrane sensors, polycarbonate track-etch (PCTE) membrane sensors exhibit superior imaging quality for LMMPs due to their flat and homogeneous surfaces. Besides the significantly improved imaging contrast and reduced background interferences, the Raman intensity of LMMPs is enhanced by 48% ± 25% on PCTE membrane sensors compared to unmodified membranes. The increased Raman intensities of a chemical probe with an increasing gold layer thickness and a decreasing membrane pore size suggest a surface-enhanced Raman scattering effect from the membrane sensors. The membrane sensors achieve a detection limit of 1 μg/L and an ultrafast scanning time of 0.01 s for individual LMMPs across natural eutrophic lake water. The developed membrane sensors offer an adaptable tool for the swift and reliable detection of individual LMMPs in complex environmental matrices.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Adaptable plasmonic membrane sensors for fast and reliable detection of trace low micrometer microplastics in lake water
Series title Environmental Science and Technology
DOI 10.1021/acs.est.4c06503
Volume 58
Issue 45
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher American Chemical Society
Contributing office(s) Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Description 9 p.
First page 20172
Last page 20180
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