How Scientists are Tracking Microplastics in the Environment

By Ankit SinghReviewed by Laura ThomsonAug 11 2025

Microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic measuring less than 5 mm in size, have become a global environmental issue. They have been detected everywhere from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountain peaks, and even within human tissue. Scientists are tracking and monitoring microplastics across various environments to better understand and address this pervasive contamination. Their efforts combine well-established research methods with newer tools such as remote sensing and citizen science, aiming to map the full extent of the problem and guide effective solutions.

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Sampling: The Starting Point of Microplastic Detection

Tracing the journey of microplastics begins with sampling. Researchers use different protocols depending on the environment, whether it is the ocean, river, air, or soil. Traditionally, scientists collect samples using nets, trawls, or grab samplers. These methods are adapted to the medium: manta trawls for surface water, sediment corers for soils, and air samplers for atmospheric microplastics. Once collected, the samples undergo a series of preparation steps that isolate plastics from organic matter and other debris.¹

Despite progress, there is still no globally standardized sampling protocol for microplastics. A recent study by the University of Portsmouth compared several leading sampling approaches. These included the Big Microplastic Survey (BMS), the Australian Microplastic Assessment Project (AUSMAP), and the European Union’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).

Each method has its strengths and weaknesses. The BMS often detected more particles, while AUSMAP stood out for its speed and ease of use in the field, and MSFD for laboratory rigor. The diversity in protocols reflects regional needs and constraints, but it also leads to data that can be difficult to compare on a global scale. The researchers suggest that harmonizing data for better comparability will enhance the understanding of plastic pollution worldwide.¹

Analytical Techniques: From Microscopes to Molecular Fingerprinting

Once plastic particles are isolated from the environmental matrix, identification and quantification follow. Optical microscopy is the first step, allowing for visual sorting and counting of particles. However, visual sorting alone cannot reliably determine the chemical composition or differentiate microplastics from naturally occurring materials. Thus, identification has come to rely on advanced spectroscopic and analytical methods.

• Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR): One of the most widely used tools in microplastic research, FTIR detects plastic types based on their unique infrared signatures. Traditional FTIR can detect microplastics larger than about 20 μm, and newer forms such as focal plane array-based micro-FTIR imaging push this threshold even lower, enabling analysis of particles found in marine plankton and sediment.²
• Mass Spectrometry and Chromatography: Techniques such as pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) can even detect nanoplastics in environmental samples. These methods analyze the unique breakdown products of plastics for detailed qualitative and quantitative assessments.³
• Thermal and Laser-Based Methods: Newer instruments use laser diffraction, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging to separate and analyze microplastic particles by size and type. According to a recent study published in Advanced Science, researchers in Germany developed an NIR-based method for real-time, non-contact identification of plastic types. The technology transforms standard cameras into powerful detection tools for better analysis and identification.⁴

These techniques each fill a niche, but none can address every sampling context. Developing field-ready, portable analyzers remains a focal point of recent research. Compact FTIR and Raman spectrometers are beginning to allow for real-time analysis directly at sampling sites, improving speed and accessibility.⁵

Novel Materials and Laboratory Breakthroughs

A significant challenge for laboratories is the absence of standardized reference materials for microplastics. Recently, scientists at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) announced the launch of the world's first reference material for microplastics in water. This important development will help laboratories to calibrate their instruments, enhance data quality, and coordinate results across borders.⁶

Researchers are experimenting with innovative sensor technologies. A project led by Dr. SaeJune Park utilizes terahertz (THz) metasurfaces, advanced materials that can detect the presence of microplastics by sensing changes in frequency resonance. These sensors promise high sensitivity, non-invasiveness, and the potential for real-time monitoring, which could revolutionize microplastics' environmental and industrial surveillance.⁷

Citizen Science: Widening the Net

Citizen scientists play an important role in monitoring the environment. These volunteers follow scientific protocols to collect data from beaches, rivers, and lakes. They can cover larger areas than traditional researchers working alone. Projects like the Big Microplastic Survey and AUSMAP demonstrate that citizen science efforts can complement laboratory-based studies and increase geographical coverage when equipped with consistent methodologies and training. Recent research highlights that citizen participation is vital for plugging data gaps and improving the spatial resolution of monitoring efforts.¹

Large-scale, scientifically rigorous national monitoring campaigns led by citizens have proven effective for tracking meso- and microplastics, especially when supported by proper training and sample handling protocols. Incorporating citizen-driven data satisfies the need for local insight and rapid response. This approach is increasingly valued by environmental scientists as a key tool in their work.⁸

Tracking Microplastics from Space

Scientists are now using satellite data to track microplastics in the ocean effectively. Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a technique using NASA’s Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS), a constellation of satellites traditionally used for monitoring hurricanes. The system analyzes ocean roughness, detecting smoothing effects that indicate the presence of large accumulations of microplastics. By combining satellite observations with ocean current models, researchers can map both the movement and concentration of microplastics globally.⁹

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Satellites offer a complementary approach to traditional sampling. They allow scientists to pinpoint hotspots, observe long-term trends, and optimize locations for further ground-based sampling. As these methods mature, remote sensing could enable scientists to build more accurate global models of microplastics’ distribution and influence.⁹

The Future of Tracking Microplastics

Scientists are continuously working to improve methods for tracking microplastics in the environment. The combination of laboratory research, cutting-edge detection technologies, satellite remote sensing, and community involvement is gradually creating a more comprehensive and precise global understanding. However, challenges persist, particularly in the standardization of sampling and measurement protocols, which is essential for ensuring that results are comparable worldwide.

Recent breakthroughs in real-time portable detectors and standardized reference materials signal a dynamic and fast-evolving field. Each step forward in detection, monitoring, and data harmonization brings scientists closer to understanding microplastic pollution's environmental and health implications. This progress lays the groundwork for evidence-based solutions and encourages global policy action.

References and Further Reading

1. Microplastics are everywhere – but our methods to track them are all over the place. (2025). University of Portsmouth. https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/microplastics-are-everywhere-but-our-methods-to-track-them-are-all-over-the-place
2. Jones, D.M. et al. (2025). Increasing our understanding of coastal microplastics and mesoplastics: a comparison of sampling methodologies using volunteer researchers. J Coast Conserv 29, 27. DOI:10.1007/s11852-025-01112-2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11852-025-01112-2
3. Zhou, L. et al. (2025). Overview of monitoring methods and environmental distribution: Microplastics in the Indian Ocean. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 214, 117715. DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117715. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X25001900
4. Stegemann, J. et al. (2025). High-Speed Hyperspectral Imaging for Near Infrared Fluorescence and Environmental Monitoring. Advanced Science, 12(16), 2415238. DOI:10.1002/advs.202415238. https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.202415238
5. Methods for Microplastics Detection. (2024). Applied Sciences from Technology Networks. https://www.technologynetworks.com/applied-sciences/articles/methods-for-microplastics-detection-394279
6. New breakthrough for monitoring microplastics to protect our health and the environment. (2025). The Joint Research Centre: EU Science Hub. https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/jrc-news-and-updates/new-breakthrough-monitoring-microplastics-protect-our-health-and-environment-2025-06-06_en
7. Breakthrough in microplastic detection: Dr SaeJune Park's pioneering sensors with future telecommunication technology. (2024). Queen Mary University of London. https://www.qmul.ac.uk/media/news/2024/se/breakthrough-in-microplastic-detection-dr-saejune-park-pioneering-sensors-with-future-telecommunication-technology.html
8. Walther, B. A. et al. (2024). Microplastic detectives: A citizen-science project reveals large variation in meso- and microplastic pollution along German coastlines. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 12, 1458565. DOI:10.3389/fenvs.2024.1458565. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-science/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2024.1458565/full
9. Tracking Ocean Plastic From Space. (2022). NASA Earthdata. https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/news/feature-articles/tracking-ocean-plastic-from-space

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