Optical spectroscopy and impedance spectroscopy make use of physical properties of the same molecular origin in the detection of polymers. Optical methods work at the electron excitation scale, electric methods are explained at the electron cloud scale.

The variation in impedance due to effective resistance of a water sample and the relaxation time required for molecules to respond and align with driving signals can be used to both quantify and characterise the microplastics present in the system.

The water sample and the electric connections made in the device can be represented equivalently as combinations of resistances, inductors and capacitors. But since we are trying to manipulate the dielectric values of samples, we have concentrated on variations in capacitance, treating the resistance and impedance components constant in the equivalent circuit. This can be improved later when measured values are consistent and stable.

Nov 2, 2020: