Portable analytics as a contemporary environmental microplastic research tool: The Pitches and Hitches

Abstract

Microplastics have become a rising concern in recent years. A lot of research motivation has been triggered towards the detection and sensing of microplastics in various environments. This review focuses on surveying the conventional, contemporary analytical expertize demonstrated for microplastic detection. The key objective of this review is to assess the utility of portable analytical devices for the onsite monitoring and detection of microplastics. The portable devices for microplastic analysis that are currently in use have been listed and their contributions towards the detection of microplastics in various environments have been comprehensively presented. The limitations of portable hand-held analytics have been discussed and the challenges in terms of limit of detection, contamination, resolution and reproducibility have been highlighted. The need for the conversion of more advanced technologies well established for their reputation for microplastic analysis, to their corresponding portables has been emphasized. The lack of data on the use of portable analytical devices for nanoplastic detection has been projected. This is a state-of-the-art review combining all these synergistic aspects of portable analytical devices related to microplastic detection in environmental samples.