Alternative Microplastic Identification Methods using Optical Components to Modify Standard Compound Microscopes for Fluorescence Microscopy

Authors

Malia R. Trujillo, Winona State University

Document Type

Grant

Publication Date

9-1-2023

Department

Biology

Abstract

This study aimed to use optical components to modify and convert a compound microscope into a functional fluorescence microscope as an alternative identification procedure for microplastics in water samples. The results of this study showed that Nile Red dye was most effective in emitting fluorescence in colorless or clear plastics. Plastics that were colored showed weaker fluorescence. Rit Fabric Dye was also analyzed for fluorescence while bound to microplastics, but no fluorescence was found with this method.

First Advisor

Franz, Jeanne