REPAIRING THE FTIR MICROSCOPE FOR MICROPLASTICS RESEARCH

Rivers are Life donated $18,000 to repair the FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared) microscope at LSU's Center for River Studies. This is a critical instrument for the chemical identification of microplastic particles in environmental samples. The effort supports research on microplastics' impact, including their accumulation in waterways and effects on ecosystems.

The FTIR microscope is an advanced tool designed to analyze minuscule particles, enabling researchers to identify the chemical composition of microplastics. It operates by shining an infrared laser on a sample and measuring its absorption spectrum, comparing it to known materials. This precision allows scientists to study particles as small as 30 microns. Currently, microplastics from sources like synthetic clothing and plastic debris are a growing concern, particularly in the Mississippi River. Once repaired, this microscope will enhance ongoing studies by undergraduate researchers and faculty to assess microplastic pollution, which affects aquatic life and can bioaccumulate, disrupting food webs. Such research is vital for environmental restoration and policy advocacy, potentially leading to the classification of plastic as a regulated pollutant under environmental laws. 

IMPORTANCE OF MICROPLASTICS RESEARCH FOR ENVIRONMENTAL LONGEVITY

Rivers like the Mississippi serve as vital conduits, connecting ecosystems across vast regions and influencing global environmental health. Unfortunately, they also act as highways for pollutants, including microplastics like nurdles—small raw resin pellets essential in manufacturing plastics. These particles often escape during industrial handling, spilling into waterways and traveling downstream. Over time, they absorb toxins such as Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides, turning inert plastics into harmful pollutants that infiltrate food chains, threatening wildlife and human health.

THE ROLE OF FTIR MICROSCOPE IN RIVER RESTORATION EFFORTS

The FTIR microscope is an advanced tool critical for identifying microplastics at a microscopic scale, analyzing particles as small as 30 microns. It works by directing an infrared laser at a sample, measuring the absorption spectrum, and comparing the results to a database of known polymers. This precision enables researchers to identify and trace the sources of microplastics, providing insights essential for combating pollution.

Though not yet fully deployed since its repair, the FTIR microscope holds transformative potential in river restoration efforts. It will be instrumental in characterizing the most abundant microplastic pollutants in rivers—fibers from synthetic clothing—and understanding their pathways. This data empowers scientists to engage policymakers, advocating for stricter regulations and proactive waste management practices.