A research team led by Professor Kim Hyung Min (Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science and Technology, Kookmin University; President: Jeong Seung Ryul), utilising “Hyperspectral Raman technology”, has developed a novel analytical technique capable of rapidly and comprehensively inspecting microplastics in a single step while minimising sample pretreatment.

Microplastics are minute plastic fragments measuring 5mm or smaller, generated through the wear and tear of plastics during industrial processes or daily life. These fine particles accumulate in the human body and ecosystems, posing potential health risks, and are recognised globally as a serious environmental concern.

Professor Kim Hyung Min's research team from the Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science and Technology, Kookmin University, devised a novel inspection method to precisely distinguish the size, shape, and type of microplastics. Hyperspectral Raman technology offers the advantage of distinguishing even very small plastic particles with minimal interference from water, unlike infrared analysis methods. Whereas existing techniques required several hours to days to analyse samples captured on filters, this new technology combines large-area laser irradiation with artificial intelligence (AI) analysis to produce results within approximately one hour.

Furthermore, this research, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Yemyung Cho of Stanford University, an expert in environmental analysis, systematically established a practical spectroscopic measurement method requiring minimal pre-treatment. This technology can rapidly and accurately identify various types of microplastics, and is expected to find broad application in numerous fields beyond environmental pollution monitoring, including food and water quality testing.

The research findings have been published in the international environmental engineering journal, Journal of Hazardous Materials, and were conducted with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea's Nano and Materials Technology Development Project.