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Top 10 Microplastic Detection Companies Revolutionizing Environmental Monitoring

Top 10 Microplastic Detection Companies Revolutionizing Environmental Monitoring

ICT | Jan, 2025

Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size, have become a growing concern due to their widespread presence in the environment. Microplastics are now found in all environmental matrices, from the Arctic to the Antarctic seawater, sediments, rivers, soil, and even the air we breathe. Microplastics contribute to pollution by entering natural ecosystems through various sources, such as cosmetics, clothing, construction, renovation, food packaging, and industrial processes. The term "microplastics" is used to distinguish these small particles from larger, non-microscopic plastic waste. These particles pose significant threats to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Detecting and analyzing microplastics is thus crucial for assessing their impact and addressing the pollution crisis.

What are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles with size less than 5 millimeters. They can come from various sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items (like bottles, bags, and clothing fibers) or be manufactured as small particles for use in products like cosmetics, cleaning products, and industrial applications.

Microplastics are typically classified into two types:

Primary microplastics: These are small plastic particles that are manufactured to be that size. Examples include microbeads used in personal care products or small plastic pellets used in manufacturing.

Secondary microplastics: These form when larger plastic objects break down into smaller pieces due to exposure to sunlight, wind, and water. For instance, plastic bottles or fishing nets breaking down over time.

Microplastics are a concern because they are pervasive in the environment, can be ingested by wildlife, and may eventually enter the human food chain, raising potential health risks. They are found in oceans, rivers, and even the air we breathe.

Individuals can take several meaningful actions to help reduce microplastics in the environment.

Here are some steps people can take:

Cutting Back on Plastic Use: Avoid products like plastic straws, cutlery, and plastic bags, especially sing-use plastics (reduce, reuse, recycle, refuse).

Change Habits and Choosing Sustainable Products: Look for personal care and cleaning products that are free from microbeads (found in some exfoliants, toothpastes, and scrubs). Choose products with natural ingredients instead.

Wearing Clothing Made from Natural Materials: Opt for clothing made from cotton, wool, hemp, or linen rather than synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, or acrylic. Synthetic fabrics shed microplastics when washed, which end up in water systems.

According to TechSci Research report Microplastic Detection Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Synthetic Microplastics, Natural Microplastics), By Technology (Raman Spectroscopy, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), Others), By Application (Environmental Monitoring, Food & Beverage Testing, Marine & Aquatic Monitoring, Healthcare & Biomedical Applications, Others), By End User Industry(Research Laboratories, Regulatory Bodies, Industrial Facilities, Others), By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F,” the Global Microplastic Detection Market was valued at USD 4.87 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 7.18 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.52% through 2030. The market growth is driven by various factors, such as rising environmental awareness, stringent environmental regulations, technological advancements, etc.

Several leading companies in the scientific and analytical instrumentation sector are pioneering advancements in microplastic detection. Their state-of-the-art technologies, from spectroscopy to microscopy, are essential in identifying, quantifying, and understanding microplastics. Below is an overview of some of the top companies leading the charge in microplastic detection.

Top Microplastic Detection Companies:

1. Thermo Fisher Scientific

Establishment

1956

Headquarters

Massachusetts, United States

Website

https://www.thermofisher.com/

 

Thermo Fisher Scientific is a leading provider of analytical instruments and laboratory equipment. Its extensive product portfolio comprises of advanced spectroscopy and microscopy tools such as infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy, which are widely used for the identification of microplastic particles. Their Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS50 FT-IR spectrometer and Thermo Scientific DXR3 Smart Raman microscope are critical instruments for microplastic analysis, enabling the identification of polymer types at trace levels in environmental samples.

2. Agilent Technologies

Establishment

1999

Headquarters

California, United States

Website

https://www.agilent.com/

 

Agilent Technologies is a key player in the field of chemical analysis and has a strong presence in environmental testing. Agilent provides a wide range of instrumentation, including the 8700 LDIR for detailed microplastic analysis in environmental water samples, along with GC, LC, IR, and ICP-MS solutions. Agilent’s chromatography and mass spectrometry systems are extensively used for detecting microplastics in water, air, and soil samples. The company’s 8800 Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectroscopy instruments are useful in identifying and quantifying microplastic particles with high sensitivity. Recent research indicates that microplastics can break down into even smaller particles known as 'nanoplastics,' ranging from 1 to 1000 nm. Agilent is focusing on the study of micro- and nanoplastics and is dedicated to creating tools to address plastic particle pollution.

3. Bruker Corporation

Establishment

1960

Headquarters

Karlsruhe, Germany

Website

https://www.bruker.com/

 

Bruker is renowned for its cutting-edge scientific instruments used in chemical analysis and materials characterization. The company’s microplastic solutions include FT-IR Microscopes, FT-IR Routine Spectrometers, and Raman Microscopes. The company’s LUMOS II FT-IR Microscope is dedicated to quick and easy micro chemical analysis and ultra-fast imaging. It is ideal for failure analysis, particle analysis and QC troubleshooting. Bruker’s instruments, such as the Bruker TENSOR 27 FTIR spectrometer, are pivotal in the detection and identification of microplastic particles in environmental samples. The advantages of Bruker FTIR spectrometer include top tier performance, quality construction, robust and reliable results, and intuitive operation.

The company also specializes in offering imaging tools like the Bruker BioScope Resolve AFM, which helps analyze microplastics at high resolution, providing insights into their morphology and structure.

4. PerkinElmer

Establishment

1937

Headquarters

Massachusetts, United States

Website

https://www.perkinelmer.com/

 

PerkinElmer is a leading provider of instrumentation for chemical analysis and environmental monitoring. The company offers comprehensive and innovative solutions for the quantification and identification of microplastics. The company's advanced and all-encompassing solutions enable improved identification and quantification of microplastics, along with the organic pollutants that can accumulate on their surfaces. These solutions also help assess the biological impact of microplastics on marine and freshwater ecosystems, as well as on the food chain. Their products such as the PerkinElmer Spectrum Two FTIR spectrometer are widely used to identify microplastics in complex environmental matrices. Spectrum Two FT-IR spectrometers feature Dynascan interferometer, which is a fixed mirror-pair interferometer design that does not require dynamic alignment to compensate for errors, Atmospheric Vapor Compensation (AVC), Absolute Virtual Instrument (AVI), and Sigma-Delta Conversion, the use of which in the digitization of the FT-IR interferogram improves the dynamic range, reduces spectral artifacts, and increases ordinate linearity to provide accurate, reproducible results.

PerkinElmer’s instruments offer high precision in microplastic identification, enabling researchers to distinguish different plastic polymers in water, sediment, and air samples.

5. JEOL

Establishment

1949

Headquarters

Tokyo, Japan

Website

https://www.jeol.com/

 

JEOL is known for its high-performance electron microscopes and other analytical instruments. JEOL, originally focused on developing electron microscopes, offers a diverse range of instruments utilizing electron beam, ion beam, and X-ray technologies, including transmission electron microscopes (TEM) and scanning electron microscopes (SEM). Their field emission scanning electron microscopes (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopes (TEM) are invaluable in the analysis of microplastics, allowing scientists to study their morphology, size distribution, and surface characteristics. JEOL's advanced imaging capabilities enable detailed analysis of microplastic contamination in various environmental matrices.

6. Shimadzu

Establishment

1875

Headquarters

Kyoto, Japan

Website

https://www.shimadzu.com/

 

Shimadzu is another key player offering sophisticated analytical instruments for environmental monitoring. Their advanced technologies, such as the Shimadzu IRSpirit FT-IR spectrometer and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems, are extensively used for detecting and analyzing microplastics in environmental samples. Shimadzu's instruments offer high accuracy and sensitivity, essential for the quantification of microplastics in both water and soil. The company has 14,219 employees as of March 31, 2024.

7. Oxford Instruments

Establishment

1959

Headquarters

Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England,

Website

https://www.oxinst.com/

 

Oxford Instruments specializes in high-performance materials characterization tools. Their X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers and electron microscopes are pivotal in the detection of microplastics, providing insights into their elemental composition and structure. Oxford Instruments' technologies help researchers track and study microplastic contamination in the environment, allowing for better pollution management strategies.

8. Endress+Hauser Group Services

Establishment

1953

Headquarters

Reinach, Basel-Country, Switzerland

Website

https://www.endress.com/en

 

Endress+Hauser is a global leader in industrial process measurement and automation, and they also support environmental monitoring with their expertise in sensors and analytical instruments. While they are more known for industrial applications, their sensor technologies for measuring particulate matter in the environment, including microplastics, offer significant contributions to environmental research. Endress+Hauser’s process and environmental monitoring systems provide real-time data to assist in the detection of microplastics in water and wastewater systems.

9. Danaher Corporation

Establishment

1969

Headquarters

Washington, DC, United States.

Website

https://www.danaher.com/

 

Danaher is a leading science and technology company with a strong portfolio in analytical instrumentation. Through its subsidiary brands like Beckman Coulter and Leica Microsystems, Danaher offers a wide range of instruments suited for microplastic detection, including high-resolution microscopes and particle analyzers. Their tools are essential in environmental studies and monitoring microplastic pollution in water, sediment, and other media.

10. Mettler Toledo

Establishment

1945

Headquarters

Columbus, Ohio, United States

Website

https://www.mt.com/

 

Mettler Toledo provides precision instruments for laboratory analysis, and their solutions are highly effective in microplastic research. Their laboratory balances and moisture analyzers are frequently used in environmental studies to quantify microplastics in water and soil samples. Additionally, their Raman spectroscopy technology enables researchers to identify and analyze the composition of microplastics in various environments.

Pros and Cons of Microplastic Detection:

Microplastic detection has become an important area of research due to the environmental and health concerns associated with microplastics.

Here are some of the pros and cons of microplastic detection:

Pros:

  1. Environmental Protection:
    • Early detection of microplastics in water, soil, and air allows for prompt action to prevent or reduce contamination.
    • Understanding the sources and distribution of microplastics can lead to more effective policies for pollution control.
  2. Health and Safety Monitoring:
    • Microplastic detection can help assess potential risks to human health and ecosystems. Since microplastics can accumulate in organisms, monitoring helps identify potential toxic effects.
  3. Scientific Research:
    • The detection techniques are important for research into the impacts of microplastics on biodiversity, marine life, and ecological systems.
  4. Waste Management Improvement:
    • Identifying microplastic contamination is useful in supporting better waste management strategies and promoting recycling efforts to reduce plastic pollution at the source.
  5. Advancement in Technology:
    • The development of new detection technologies can drive innovation in the field of environmental monitoring, leading to more precise and efficient methods.

Cons:

  1. High Costs:
    • Spectroscopy and chromatography are advanced detection methods, and can be expensive and require specialized equipment, making large-scale monitoring costly.
  2. Complexity of Detection:
    • Microplastics are often diverse in size, shape, and material type, which makes it difficult to detect them. Moreover, this complexity can lead to inaccurate or incomplete data.
    • Detection often requires specialized knowledge and training, which may limit widespread adoption in some regions.
  3. Time-Consuming:
    • Some detection methods can be slow, especially when dealing with large samples or environmental surveys. This can delay efforts to mitigate contamination.
  4. Inability to Quantify All Types:
    • Some microplastics are difficult to detect or quantify due to their small size and the fact that they may be mixed with other substances, such as organic matter or sediment.
  5. Environmental Impact of Detection Methods:
    • Some detection methods may involve processes that could disturb the environment or contribute to further contamination, such as chemical use in sample processing.
  6. Limited Detection in Remote Areas:
    • Microplastic detection is often difficult in remote or hard-to-reach areas, which limits the ability to assess widespread environmental contamination.

Thus, while microplastic detection is crucial for understanding and addressing plastic pollution, it comes with challenges related to cost, accuracy, and accessibility. Continued research and innovation in detection methods will be essential to overcoming these limitations.

Conclusion:

As microplastic pollution continues to grow as a global concern, these companies are at the forefront of technological innovation, providing the tools necessary for accurate detection and analysis of microplastics in environmental samples. By utilizing a wide range of advanced instruments, from spectrometers and microscopes to chromatographs and sensors, these companies are enabling researchers and environmentalists to better understand the scope of microplastic contamination. This collective effort is critical for devising effective solutions to mitigate the harmful impact of microplastics on our ecosystems and human health.

Whether through the precision of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s FT-IR systems, or the comprehensive environmental monitoring solutions of Endress+Hauser, these companies are making significant contributions to the battle against plastic pollution, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable planet for future generations.

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