Microplastics are small plastic particles that can be found in the environment. They can come from a variety of sources, such as plastic bags, straws, and fishing nets. Microplastics can have a negative impact on marine life, as they can be ingested by animals and cause blockages or other health problems.

A new technique has been developed that can show the link between prey and microplastics. This technique uses a combination of fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy to identify and quantify microplastics in the guts of marine animals. This information can then be used to track the sources of microplastics and to assess the potential risks to marine life.

The new technique was developed by researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The researchers tested the technique on a variety of marine animals, including fish, squid, and seabirds. They found that the technique was able to accurately identify and quantify microplastics in the guts of these animals.

The researchers say that the new technique is a valuable tool for studying the impact of microplastics on marine life. This information can be used to develop strategies to reduce the amount of microplastics in the environment and to protect marine life from the potential risks of microplastic ingestion.

The study was published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.