Quantification Of Microplastics Research Articles

Material-specific binding peptides empower sustainable innovations in plant health, biocatalysis, medicine and microplastic quantification.

Material-binding peptides (MBPs) have emerged as a diverse and innovation-enabling class of peptides in applications such as plant-/human health, immobilization of catalysts, bioactive coatings, accelerated polymer degradation and analytics for micro-/nanoplastics quantification. Progress has been fuelled by recent advancements in protein engineering methodologies and advances in computational and analytical methodologies, which allow the design of, for instance, material-specific MBPs with fine-tuned binding strength for numerous demands in material science applications. A genetic or chemical conjugation of second (biological, chemical or physical property-changing) functionality to MBPs empowers the design of advanced (hybrid) materials, bioactive coatings and analytical tools. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview comprising naturally occurring MBPs and their function in nature, binding properties of short man-made MBPs (<20 amino acids) mainly obtained from phage-display libraries, and medium-sized binding peptides (20-100 amino acids) that have been reported to bind to metals, polymers or other industrially produced materials. The goal of this review is to provide an in-depth understanding of molecular interactions between materials and material-specific binding peptides, and thereby empower the use of MBPs in material science applications. Protein engineering methodologies and selected examples to tailor MBPs toward applications in agriculture with a focus on plant health, biocatalysis, medicine and environmental monitoring serve as examples of the transformative power of MBPs for various industrial applications. An emphasis will be given to MBPs' role in detecting and quantifying microplastics in high throughput, distinguishing microplastics from other environmental particles, and thereby assisting to close an analytical gap in food safety and monitoring of environmental plastic pollution. In essence, this review aims to provide an overview among researchers from diverse disciplines in respect to material-(specific) binding of MBPs, protein engineering methodologies to tailor their properties to application demands, re-engineering for material science applications using MBPs, and thereby inspire researchers to employ MBPs in their research.

Smartphone microscopic method for imaging and quantification of microplastics in drinking water.

Analysis of microplastics in drinking water is often challenging due to smaller particle size and low particle count. In this study, we used a low cost and an easy to assemble smartphone microscopic system for imaging and quantitating microplastic particles as small as 20 μm. The system consisted of a spherical sapphire ball lens of 4 mm diameter attached to a smartphone camera as a major imaging component. It also involved pre-concentration of the sample using ZnCl2 solution. The spike recovery and limit of detection of the method in filtered distilled and deionized water samples (n = 9) were 55.6% ± 9.7% and 34 particles/L, respectively. Imaging performance of the microscopic system was similar to a commercial bright field microscopic system. The method was further implemented to examine microplastic particles in commercial bottled and jar water samples (n = 20). The particles count in bottled and jar water samples ranged from 0-91 particles/L to 0-130 particles/L, respectively. In both sample types, particles of diverse shape and size were observed. The particles collected from water samples were further confirmed by FTIR spectra (n = 36), which found 97% of the particles tested were made of plastic material. These findings suggested that the smartphone microscopic system can be implemented as a low-cost alternative for preliminary screening of microplastic in drinking water samples. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Ball lens based smartphone microscopic method was used for microplastic analysis. Particles of diverse shape and size were found in bottle and jar water samples.

Plastic breath: Quantification of microplastics and polymer additives in airborne particles

The widespread extensive use of synthetic polymers has led to a substantial environmental crisis caused by plastic pollution, with microplastics detected in various environments and posing risks to both human health and ecosystems.The possibility of plastic fragments to be dispersed in the air as particles and inhaled by humans may cause damage to the respiratory and other body systems. Therefore, there is a particular need to study microplastics as air pollutants. In this study, we tested a combination of analytical pyrolysis, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and gas and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify and quantify both microplastics and their additives in airborne particulate matter and settled dust within a workplace environment: a WEEE treatment plant. Using this combined approach, we were able to accurately quantify ten synthetic polymers and eight classes of polymer additives.The identified additives include phthalates, adipates, citrates, sebacates, trimellitates, benzoates, organophosphates, and newly developed brominated flame retardants.

Approaches for Sampling and Sample Preparation for Microplastic Analysis in Laundry Effluents

The continuous growth in the production, unsustainable use, and disposal of plastics in recent decades has led to the emergence of a new type of pollutant, microplastics (MPs). In this article, the focus is on the form of MPs, which are produced by the fragmentation of textile fibres during washing processes. The problems associated with the characterisation and quantification of MPs in this type of sample are related to the wide range of concentrations, forms, and degree of degradation as well as physico-chemical and biological properties. Although the basic principles for the analysis of microplastics present in the environmental samples are known, there is the lack of standardised methods for the analysis of MPs in laundry effluents and domestic washing. Therefore, the continuous development of sophisticated analytical techniques and methodologies is required for the reliable collection and isolation, quantification, and characterisation of one of the most challenging analytes. The aim of this review is to outline the key steps of MPs analysis in laundry effluents and domestic washing, focusing on those steps that are underestimated in the current literature: sampling and sample preparation for analysis. Precisely these analytical steps, which can become the main source of analytical measurement system errors, ensure the quality of the analysis. This paper emphasises the importance of monitoring background contamination and presents guidelines to ensure quality control specifically for this type of analyte.

Microplastic analysis in sediments of the Elbe River by electrostatic separation and differential scanning calorimetry

This study presents the most extensive investigation of microplastic (MP) contents in sediment from the Elbe River. We employed electrostatic separation (ES) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to overcome limitations of sample throughput and time-consuming analysis. In total 43 sediment samples were collected using a Van-Veen grab. Subsequently, coarse materials (d10 > 100 μm) and fine materials (d10 ≤ 100 μm) were enriched using ES and density separation. DSC was utilized for MP identification and quantification, based on the phase-transition signals of eight different polymers. MP presence was detected in 25 samples, with successful quantification in 12 samples. The MP content in coarse material samples from shoreline areas ranged from 0.52 to 1.30 mg/kg, while in fine material samples from harbor basins, it ranged from 5.0 to 44.6 mg/kg. The most prevalent polymers identified were LD-PE, HD-PE, PP, and PCL. These findings confirmed the suitability of DSC for analyzing MP in complex environmental samples. MP hotspots were identified in harbor basins, where natural sedimentation processes and increased anthropogenic activities contribute to MP accumulation. Additionally, industrial sewage potentially contributed to MP content in sediment samples. The highest pollution levels were observed in the middle Elbe, between the confluences of Mulde and Havel. Lowest MP contents were found in the lower Elbe, potentially influenced by tides. Future studies should focus on holistic investigations of selected river sections, encompassing sediment, water, and biota samples, rather than the entire catchment area. This approach would facilitate the generation of spatiotemporal data on MP distribution in freshwater streams. In addition, more research is needed to explore potential interactions between different MP and sediment types during DSC measurements.

Simultaneous trace mass and quantity of airborne microplastics based on electromagnetic heating-pyrolysis-mass spectrometry, taking surgical face masks as an example

Microplastics (MPs) in the atmosphere have attracted global concern due to their potential threats to human health. However, the current rapid analytical method for airborne MPs is insufficient, which hinders a comprehensive understanding of their environmental risks. In recent years, the disposable face masks have emerged as a new source of airborne MPs. There are significant knowledge gaps regarding MPs from mask, including detection methods, formation mechanisms, and environmental abundance. This study presented a novel analytical approach for the rapid detection of airborne MPs using the electromagnetic heating-pyrolysis-mass spectrometry (Eh-Py-MS). To validate this method, surgical face masks were employed as an illustrative example. The mass-related quantification of MPs was realized based on the Eh-Py-MS. By employing a conversion model of mass, size, and density, simultaneous assessment of both mass and quantity of MPs was realized. The recovery rates were in the range of 86.6%–111.6% and the precision (RSD) was 8.4%, which was sufficient for rapid quantification. Results showed that the simultaneous tracing of mass and quantity of airborne microplastics could be successfully achieved through the developed method. Furthermore, the formation mechanism of MPs in surgical masks under UV exposure was also investigated to address the knowledge gap of masks MPs. Results indicated that surgical masks could be a neglected source of airborne microplastics in the environment. This study aims to provide valuable insights for the rapid assessment of airborne MPs in the environment.

Oil-based extraction as an efficient method for the quantification of microplastics in environmental samples

BackgroundWastewater treatment plant outlets are a major source of microplastics, with more than 90% retained in sewage sludge. No standardised method for the extraction, quantification, and characterisation of microplastics in sewage sludge or soil exists, and direct comparison of studies is often impossible. Our aim was to validate oil extraction efficiency with and without pre-treatment with Fenton’s reagent of selected microplastics in various types of environmental samples (sewage sludge and organic-rich substrates).ResultsOxidation with Fenton’s reagent removed up to 90% of organic material, which improves the recovery rate and made quantification and characterisation easier and more reliable, regardless of type, shape, size, or density of the selected microplastic particles used in this study. Pre-treatment, as a pre-step of the oil extraction method, was shown to be important in reducing organic matter in all environmental samples, including sewage sludge and organic-rich substrates. It also improved the reliability of the selected method, shortened its duration, and, by reducing organic matter, made extracted microplastics more visible. The recovery rate was better for particles 1–5 mm and lower for particles 0.1 < 1 mm.ConclusionsBy achieving up to a 100% recovery rate for certain types of microplastics (polypropylene and polystyrene), the selected method proved to be a promising extraction method. It was also shown to be efficient in the organic-rich substrates, for which the characterisation of microplastic particles was done by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The most commonly detected types of microplastics in organic-rich substrates were polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyester.

Vis-NIR spectroscopy based rapid and non-destructive method to quantitate microplastics: An emerging contaminant in farm soil

Microplastics (MPs) is the second most important environmental issue and can potentially enter into food chain through farmland contamination and other means. There are no standardized extraction methods for quantification of MPs in soil. The embedded errors and biases generated serious problems regarding the comparability of different studies and leading to erroneous estimation. To address this gap, present study was formulated to develop an efficient method for MPs analysis suitable for a wide range of soil and organic matrices. A method based on Vis-NIR (Visible-Near Infra Red) spectroscopy is developed for four different soil belonging to Alfisol, Inceptisol, Mollisol and Vertisol and two organic matter matrices (FYM and Sludge). The developed method was found as rapid, reproducible, non-destructive and accurate method for estimation of all three-density groups of MPs (Low, Medium and High) with a prediction accuracy ranging from 1.9 g MPs/kg soil (Vertisol) to 3.7 g MPs/kg soil (Alfisol). Two different regression models [Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) and Principal Component Regression (PCR)] were assessed and PLSR was found to provide better information in terms of prediction accuracy and minimum quantification limit (MQL). However, PCR performed better for organic matter matrices than PLSR. The method avoids any complicated sample preparation steps except drying and sieving thus saving time and acquisition of reflectance spectrum for single sample is possible within 18 s. Owing to have the minimum quantification limit ranging from 1.9–3.7 g/kg soil, the vis-NIR based method is perfectly suitable for estimation of MPs in soil samples collected from plastic pollution hotspots like landfill sites, regular based sludge amended farm soils. Additionally, the method can be adapted by small scale compost industries for assessing MPs load in product like city compost which are applied at agricultural fields and will be helpful in quantifying possible MPs at the sources itself.

Identification and quantification of microplastics in salts by complementary approaches using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (Py-GC/QTOFMS) and laser direct infrared (LDIR) chemical imaging analysis

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have been suspected as contaminants in various foodstuffs, including salts, all over the world. Regarding the different sizes and polymer types, the mass concentrations of actual plastic particles in salt are not very clear. The purpose of this study is to develop a scalable method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of MPs and NPs by using Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Quadrupole-Time of Flight mass spectrometry (Py-GC/QTOFMS) to detect their mass concentrations in salt samples. The targeted and suspected lists of polymers in salts were compiled based on the combined results of the high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) full scanning with auxiliary MS dataset and the laser direct infrared (LDIR) chemical imaging analysis. The seven targeted MPs with polymer standards, i.e., polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polycarbonate (PC), were first subjected to a full MS scanning mode of the Py-GC/QTOFMS analysis. Subsequently, the parental masses of their pyrolysis compounds were used as the seeds to generate the related daughter masses. This process established both retention time and mass-pairs matching for the target MS/MS mode for enabling the identification and quantification of the particles. The suspected MPs with a matching degree >0.65 in the LDIR list were explored either by the full scan MS. Only PVC was identified, and PET was suspected. The Py-GC/QTOFMS result is complementary and comparable to the LDIR detection with the matching degree >0.85. We identified that PVC and PET (suspected) can be measured in both commercial and bulk sea salts, and their concentrations in sea salts are much higher than in rock salts, implying heavy contamination of the seawater.

Quantification and Identification of Microplastics in Organic Fertilizers: The Implication for the Manufacture and Safe Application

Quantification and Identification of Microplastics in Organic Fertilizers: The Implication for the Manufacture and Safe Application

Analytical Methods for Extraction of Microplastics from Compost in Sri Lanka

Microplastics (MP) are the plastics with 1 μm-5 mm dimensions. Meanwhile, compost has been identified as a major source of MP in the soil, although compost is a great plant nutrient source, and it provides tremendous benefits for crops. This is primarily ascribed to most of the compost being produced through Municipal Solid Waste Management projects. However, due to the detrimental impacts on soil’s biological, physical, and chemical health, together with the high accumulation probability of MP caused by repeated application of compost, regulations should be implemented on the limitation of MP in compost. Even though there are a few different methods available in the literature for MP extraction and quantification in organic matter (OM)-rich matrices, like compost, sludge, and sediments, a properly validated, routine analytical procedure is missing in Sri Lanka Standards (SLS). Therefore, in this project, the effectiveness of four different MP extraction methods in the literature were compared and validated for compost, to implement an MP analysis method suitable for compost specifications in the SLS. The methodologies included MP extraction by density separation using NaCl or ZnCl2 solutions followed by digestion of OM using 30% KOH: NaOCl solution or Fenton’s reagent. The common MP analysis method for the four protocols was staining with the hydrophobic, fluorescent stain Nile Red, and visual observation. Digestion efficiency of OM and spike recovery of Polystyrene (PS), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and Polypropylene (PP) microplastics in 1-2 mm dimension by the four MP extraction methods were compared for the validation. T-tests (confidence level=95%) were carried out to determine the significant difference between the OM digestion efficiency in each of the four methods. Each of the combinations compared was significantly different from the other except for ZnCl2/Fenton and NaCl/30% KOH:NaOCl comparison. Meanwhile, the OM removal by ZnCl2/Fenton and NaCl/30% KOH:NaOCl excluding the density separation step also was not significantly different. The spike recovery analysis showed ZnCl2/Fenton combination as the best out of the tested combinations with above 95% recovery percentages for PS, PVC, PP and 100 for HDPE and PET by particle count. However, precipitate formations in the ZnCl2/Fenton combination might cause false negative or positive results for spike recovery when applied to the real samples with smaller MP. The extraction reagents, NaCl was not an ideal solution and ZnCl2 was a good solution for the MP types used. Moreover, in this project, double digestion of OM with NaCl/30% KOH:NaOCl before and after the density separation with ZnCl2 is suggested as a novel and more effective OM digestion protocol before Nile Red staining, and further validations are suggested prior to its final implementation.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Microplastics, Compost, Extraction, Organic matter

Characteristics and quantification of small microplastics (

Small microplastics (SMPs < 100 µm) can easily be transported over long distances far from their sources through the atmospheric pathways and reach even remote regions, including the Arctic. However, these sizes of MPs are mostly overlooked due to different analytical challenges; besides, their pathways through atmospheric depositions, such as snow depositions, are mostly unknown. The spatial variability in bulk snow samples was investigated for the first time in distinct sites (e.g., glaciers) near Ny Ålesund, the world-known northernmost permanent research settlement in the Svalbard Islands, to better comprehend the presence of SMP pollution in snow. Seasonal snow deposited over the tundra and the summits of different glaciers were also sampled. A sampling procedure was designed to obtain representative samples while minimizing plastic contamination, thanks to rigorous quality assurance and quality control protocol. SMPs’ weight (µg SMP L-1) and deposition load (mg SMPs m-2) result from being lower in the remote glaciers, where they may be subject to long-range transport. The SMPs’ minimum length was 20 µm, with the majority less than 100 µm. Regarding their size distribution, there was an increase in the size length deriving from the local input of the human presence near the scientific settlement. The presence of some polymers might be site-specific in relation to the pathways that affect their distribution at the sites studied. Also, from the snow surface layer collected at the same sites to evaluate the variability of SMPs during specific atmospheric deposition events, the results confirmed their higher weight and load in surface snow near the scientific settlement compared to the glaciers. The results will enhance the limited knowledge of the SMPs in polar atmospheric compartments and deposition processes.

The "Microplastome" - A Holistic Perspective to Capture the Real-World Ecology of Microplastics.

Microplastic pollution, an emerging pollution issue, has become a significant environmental concern globally due to its ubiquitous, persistent, complex, toxic, and ever-increasing nature. As a multifaceted and diverse suite of small plastic particles with different physicochemical properties and associated matters such as absorbed chemicals and microbes, future research on microplastics will need to comprehensively consider their multidimensional attributes. Here, we introduce a novel, conceptual framework of the "microplastome", defined as the entirety of various plastic particles (<5 mm), and their associated matters such as chemicals and microbes, found within a sample and its overall environmental and toxicological impacts. As a novel concept, this paper aims to emphasize and call for a collective quantification and characterization of microplastics and for a more holistic understanding regarding the differences, connections, and effects of microplastics in different biotic and abiotic ecosystem compartments. Deriving from this lens, we present our insights and prospective trajectories for characterization, risk assessment, and source apportionment of microplastics. We hope this new paradigm can guide and propel microplastic research toward a more holistic era and contribute to an informed strategy for combating this globally important environmental pollution issue.

Physicochemical alterations on UV aged polymers leading to microplastics formation: A multi-tiered study of polyester, polycarbonate and polyamide

Plastic, once a revolutionary material, has progressively converted into a global environmental threat possessing ubiquitous distribution, with microplastics (MPs) pollution being in the center of intense multidisciplinary research. Within the framework of the present study, we systematically investigated the physicochemical properties of three widely used commercial polymers, namely poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polycarbonate (PC) and polyamide (PA) after UV exposure for certain intervals, as to enlighten the aging processes of these polymer types and ameliorate the understanding of their performance through a couple of analytical techniques. The studied polymers were UV-B aged for specific time periods and the photodegradation was initially evaluated by Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), proving signs of oxidation, while the crystallinity and thermal properties’ modifications during the weathering were also assessed by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analyses. Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and water contact angle measurements demonstrated the significant morphological and hydrophilicity differences of the irradiated samples compared to the pristine ones, while mechanical performance deterioration was displayed as evidence that UV irradiation induces the reduction of plastics performance and their progressive fragmentation, possibly inducing the MPs formation. The relative abundance of the pyrolysis products fluctuated throughout the UV exposure experiments as determined by Pyrolysis‒Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py‒GC/MS) analysis, while the quantity of the pyrolytic marker compounds for the investigated polymers extensively utilized nowadays in MPs analysis also changed with the time of photo-aging, suggesting the imperative further exploration of aging processes on the well-known polymeric types, since severe risk exists with the reliability of MPs quantification in real environmental samples.

Quantification and characterization of airborne microplastics in the coastal area of Terengganu, Malaysia.

Microplastics (MPs) pose a threat to ecosystems due to their capacity to bind with toxic chemicals. While the occurrence of MPs in aquatic environmental matrices like water, sediments, and biota is well studied, their presence in the atmosphere remains less understood. This study aimed to determine the presence of airborne MPs and their characteristics through ground-based sampling in the coastal city of Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. Airborne MP samples were collected using passive sampling technique in December 2019. MPs were manually counted and identified using a stereomicroscope based on their colour and shape. The average deposition rate of airborne MPs during the sampling period was 5476 ± 3796 particles/m2/day, ranging from 576 to 15,562 particles/m2/day. Various colours such as transparent (38%), blue (25%), black (20%), red (13%), and others (4%) were observed. The predominant shape of airborne MPs was fibres (> 99%). The morphology structure of MPs observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed a cracked surface on MPs, suggesting weathering and irregular fragmentation. Further elemental analysis using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed the presence of heavy metals such as aluminium (Al) and cadmium (Cd) on the surface of MPs, attributed to the adsorption capacities of MPs. Polymer types of airborne MPs were analysed using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), which revealed particles composed of polyester (PES), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP). The preliminary findings could provide additional information for further investigations of MPs, especially in the atmosphere, to better understand their sources and potential human exposure.

Comprehensive investigation on microplastics from source to sink

AbstractThis paper provides a comprehensive review on microplastic from source to sink and reviews the current state of knowledge of the topic by focusing on the articles published within the last five years on identification, quantification, analyses, and effects of microplastics on soil and aqueous environments. Microplastics are materials formed either by the degradation of the plastic into smaller micro sized particles or obtained directly in daily products such as cosmetics, toothpastes, domestic cleaning products, etc. Hence, the origin of microplastics is either a primary or secondary microplastic source. The lack of information and research conducted on microplastics in soil compared to water influenced many disparities. These include variations in defining microplastics to lack of conclusive methodologies in analysis of microplastics in soil which therefore lead to gaps in identification of plastic source and comprehension of plastic pollution in soil. The effect of microplastics on different aquatic vertebrates, mammals, and humans is studied and, in most cases, various negative effects were observed in the organism’s physiology. In addition to innovative control methods, there is a growing focus on exploring bioplastics as a potential substitute for traditional plastics. Numerous studies suggest that the environmental impact is more manageable with the production and use of bioplastics. Nonetheless, additional research is needed to confirm the viability of bioplastics as a potential solution. Graphical abstract

Determination and quantification of microplastics in compost

AbstractAlthough microplastics (MPs) in solid organic waste have been intensively studied, the presence of MPs in organic fertilizer and their potential as new emerging pollution to environment because of their use in agriculture has not been explained completely. Therefore, the identification and quantification of MPs in commercially available compost is important. This study aimed to estimate the quantity of MPs in commercial composts. The characteristics of MPs (shape, color, size, and type of polymers) were identified. This study found that MPs in commercial compost samples were found, reaching up to 160 particles/200 g of compost with various colors (blue, black, red, yellow, and white). The identified MPs had various sizes (0.1–1 mm) and shapes (81.8% fragment, 16.2% fiber, and 2% filament). The findings of this study are very important and significant to inform community and policymakers regarding the presence of MPs in commercial compost, hence, their intensive use in agriculture must be controlled and careful.

Identification and quantification of microplastics in surface water of a southwestern Mediterranean Bay (Al Hoceima, Morocco)

In this study, we evaluated the pollution in Al Hoceima Bay (Southwestern Mediterranean, Morocco) by microplastics. Nine stations were investigated in 2019, 2020, and 2021, using the Manta net and the microplastics were identified and quantified with Raman Spectroscopy. The obtained results showed that fibers, fragments, pellets, and films were the predominant types of microplastics. The dominant size of microplastics ranged from 0.15 to5 mm while 0.3–0.5 mm was the most prevalent with 46.97 %. Seven colours counting white and blue as dominant items were recorded. The abundance of microplastics was 1–15 items/m3, with an average of 4.70 ± 4.50 items/m3. Four polymers dominated by Polyethylene (67.4 %), Polypropylene (23.2 %), Polystyrene (7.1 %), and Polyethylene Terephthalates (2.3 %) were identified. The spatial distribution of microplastics was variable. The abundance of microplastics was not related to the distance separating potential sources from the sampled stations. Our study provided the initial data on microplastics and their distribution along the Mediterranean coasts of Morocco, recommended for future investigations of marine pollution in the Mediterranean basin.

Characterization and quantification of microplastics and organic pollutants in mussels by microwave-assisted sample preparation and analytical pyrolysis

We developed a method to isolate and quantify various classes of both non-polymeric contaminants and polymers from mussel flour using microwave-assisted extraction/digestion and analytical pyrolysis-GC-MS.

Image processing techniques for measuring primary microplastic abundance in various of dispersant

Microplastics have become one of the world’s most important environmental issues and have received widespread attention as a new type of pollutant. Microplastic quantification methods have evolved from manual to semi-automated and automated methods. These methods still possess drawbacks such costly detecting equipment, lengthy detection durations, and imprecise detection rates, making the detection of microplastics difficult in natural environments. This study aimed to measure the abundance of primary microplastics (microbeads) using Image Processing Techniques (IPT) with various dispersants and validated them using microscopy. Plugable Digital Viewer v.3.1.07 software was used to capture digital images of the IPT tool, while the microscope used Obtilab viewer 3.0. The IPT results were processed and analyzed using ImageJ 1.53t software. The originality of this study is that digital images were taken directly in liquid samples with the preparation sample dispersant so that microplastics in surface water could be directly quantified and identified. This study provides a very strong correlation between the sample mass and particle counting, as seen from R2&gt;0.75. A statistical test of the data obtained (P-Value&gt;0.05) demonstrated a normal distribution of the data. The t-test results between each mass variation obtained (P-Value &lt;0.05) indicated that the microplastic particles from each mass variation were different. The LoD for PP and PE were 1.75 and 0.00009 respectively while the LoQ were 28.5 and 39.5. The %recovery from 10 repetitions produced consistent values for PP and PE, which had less stable values obtained at 0% in repetitions 1.5 and 8. The %RSD from 10 repetitions was below 40%.