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Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) present formidable global environmental challenges with serious risks to human health and ecosystem sustainability. Despite their significance, the accurate assessment of environmental MP and NP pollution remains hindered by limitations in existing detection technologies, such as low resolution, substantial data volumes, and prolonged imaging times. Machine learning (ML) provides a promising pathway to overcome these challenges by enabling efficient data processing and complex pattern recognition. This systematic Review aims to address these gaps by examining the role of ML techniques combined with spectroscopy in improving the detection and characterization of NPs. We focused on the application of ML and key tools in MP and NP detection, categorizing the literature into key aspects: (1) Developing tailored strategies for constructing ML models to optimize plastic detection while expanding monitoring capabilities. Emphasis is placed on harnessing the unique molecular fingerprinting capabilities offered by spectroscopy, including both infrared (IR) and Raman spectra. (2) Providing an in-depth analysis of the challenges and issues encountered by current ML approaches for NP detection. This Review highlights the critical role of ML in advancing environmental monitoring and improving our further, deeper investigation of the widespread presence of NPs. By identifying current key challenges, this Review provides valuable insights for future direction in environmental management and public health protection.
Xie et al. (2025) studied this question.