A Cost-Effective Fluorescence-Based Framework for Microplastic Detection in Water Using Nile Red Dye

Microplastic pollution has created a growing need for simple and affordable methods that can support preliminary screening of water samples. This paper presents a fluorescence-based framework that combines Nile Red staining, camera-based imaging, and basic image-processing techniques to identify suspected microplastic particles. The proposed workflow includes sample preparation, staining, controlled fluorescence imaging, image enhancement, segmentation, and particle analysis.

Microplastics, Nile Red Dye, Fluorescence-Based Detection, Camera-Based Imaging

1. T. Maes, R. Jessop, N. Wellner, K. Haupt, and A. G. Mayes, “A rapid-screening approach to detect and quantify microplastics based on fluorescent tagging with Nile Red,” Scientific Reports, vol. 7, Art. no. 44501, 2017, doi: 10.1038/srep44501. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. W. J. Shim, Y. K. Song, S. H. Hong, and M. Jang, “Identification and quantification of microplastics using Nile Red staining,” Marine Pollution Bulletin, vol. 113, nos. 1–2, pp. 469–476, 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.10.049. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. H. Kang, S. Park, B. Lee, J. Ahn, and S. Kim, “Modification of a Nile Red Staining Method for Microplastics Analysis: A Nile Red Plate Method,” Water, vol. 12, no. 11, Art. no. 3251, 2020, doi: 10.3390/w12113251. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. J. C. Prata, J. P. da Costa, A. C. Duarte, and T. Rocha-Santos, “Methods for sampling and detection of microplastics in water and sediment: A critical review,” TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, vol. 110, pp. 150–159, 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.trac.2018.10.029. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Methane Emissions from Municipal Solid Waste - Case Study in Cai Rang District, Can Tho City, Vietnam
• Youth Activism, Intentional Integration of Policies to Raise Awareness on Climate Change Action among the Youth
• Breathing Spaces: Environmental & User Experience in Dhanmondi and Zigatola Multistoried Apartments, Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Effects of Solid Waste Disposal on Soil Quality in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria
• Environmental Impact of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Borgu Local Government Area