Environmental science increasingly relies on microscopy to identify, characterize, and quantify pollutants at the particle level. From airborne particulates to microplastics in waterways, scanning electron microscopy with EDS provides the morphological and compositional data needed for environmental assessment and remediation.

The SNE-Alpha desktop SEM brings environmental analysis capabilities to field stations, regulatory labs, and research institutions. Its compact design and ease of operation make it accessible for routine monitoring and investigative studies.

Key Environmental Applications

• Microplastics Analysis: Identify and characterize plastic particles in water, sediment, and biological samples. Distinguish polymer types using morphology and EDS
• Air Quality Monitoring: Characterize particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) by size, shape, and composition for source identification
• Asbestos Identification: Image fiber morphology and confirm composition with EDS for regulatory compliance
• Soil Contamination: Identify heavy metal particles and characterize contaminated soil structure
• Water Treatment: Evaluate filter media, membrane surfaces, and treatment effectiveness
• Dust Analysis: Source apportionment of industrial, agricultural, and natural dust particles

Microplastics Research

Microplastics have become a major focus of environmental research. SEM-EDS enables:

• Particle Identification: Distinguish plastics from natural particles by surface texture and morphology
• Size Measurement: Accurate sizing from millimeters down to micrometers
• Weathering Assessment: Characterize surface degradation and fragmentation patterns
• Polymer Typing: EDS helps identify inorganic additives characteristic of specific polymers