Toward the systematic identification of microplastics in the environment: evaluation of a new independent software tool (siMPle) for spectroscopic analysis

Microplastics (MP) are ubiquitous within the environment, but the analysis of this contaminant is currently quite diverse, and a number of analytical methods are available. The comparability of results is hindered as even for a single analytical method such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) the different instruments currently available do not allow a harmonized analysis. To overcome this limitation, a new free of charge software tool, allowing the systematic identification of MP in the environment (siMPle) was developed. This software tool allows a rapid and harmonized analysis of MP across FT-IR systems from different manufacturers (Bruker Hyperion 3000, Agilent Cary 620/670, PerkinElmer Spotlight 400, Thermo Fischer Scientific Nicolet iN10). Using the same database and the automated analysis pipeline (AAP) in siMPle, MP were identified in samples that were analyzed with instruments with different detector systems and optical resolutions, the results of which are discussed.