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A Procedure for Measuring Microplastics using Pressurized Fluid Extraction.
1Environmental Forensics, Office of Environment and Heritage, Lidcombe, New South Wales 2141, Australia.
Environmental Science & Technology
|May 13, 2016
Summary
A new pressurized fluid extraction (PFE) method simplifies microplastic measurement in environmental samples. This technique offers a reliable alternative for quantifying microplastics in diverse matrices like soil and waste.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Current methods for microplastic quantification in environmental samples face limitations.
- Accurate and simple analytical techniques are needed for microplastic analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel method for measuring microplastics in environmental samples.
- To provide a straightforward analytical approach for laboratories to quantify microplastics.
Main Methods:
- Pressurized fluid extraction (PFE) was employed for microplastic extraction.
- The method was optimized and validated using spiked glass beads and environmental samples.
Main Results:
- High recovery rates of spiked plastics (101%–111%) were achieved on glass beads.
- Spike recoveries in a composted municipal waste sample ranged from 85% to 94%.
Conclusions:
- The developed PFE method is a promising alternative for microplastic determination.
- This technique offers a simple and effective way to quantify microplastics in various environmental matrices.
