Xu, Jun-LiJun-LiXuThomas, Kevin V.Kevin V.ThomasLuo, ZishengZishengLuoGowen, AoifeAoifeGowen2020-12-012020-12-012019 Elsev2019-10TrAC - Trends in Analytical Chemistry0165-9936http://hdl.handle.net/10197/11766Despite a substantial body of research to date for the detection of microplastics (MPs) in almost every environmental compartment there remains a lack of standardisation, and methodologies used by different research groups vary widely. Chemical imaging, which provides simultaneous measurement of physical (i.e. spatial) and chemical (i.e. spectroscopic) information, is recognized as a promising tool for MPs analysis. Herein, we first review the state-of-the-art chemical imaging methods, i.e., Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman imaging, for the identification and quantification of MPs from different environmental samples. From a technical point of view (e.g., accuracy, speed optimizations and background effects), the limitations and analytical challenges are highlighted from extensive literature data. Finally, we suggest possible strategies and solutions to improve current practices towards an automated routine for MPs analysis.enThis is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry; (119, (2019)) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2019.115629MicroplasticsRamanInfraredQuantificationAutomated analysisJournal Article11910.1016/j.trac.2019.1156292020-03-18ERC-SG-335508https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ie/