In situ Detection of Microplastics: Single Microparticle‐electrode Impacts

Abstract Particle‐impact electrochemistry is employed to study spherical polyethylene microparticles suspended in an aqueous solution. This electrochemical method detects polyethylene microparticles impacting on a carbon fiber electrode generating a transient current response or “spike”. We interpret the physio‐chemical origin of the spikes and accurately identify particle size distributions and concentrations for microparticles of sizes 1–10 μm.