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Enzymatic Purification of Microplastics in Environmental Samples
Martin G J Löder1, Hannes K Imhof2, Maike Ladehoff1
1Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Alfred-Wegener-Institut, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung , P.O. Box 180, 27483 Helgoland, Germany.
Environmental Science & Technology
|November 8, 2017
Summary
Enzymatic purification effectively removes organic matter from microplastic samples, enabling accurate spectroscopic analysis. This method enhances microplastic detection in diverse environmental matrices.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are environmental contaminants requiring accurate identification and quantification.
- Spectroscopic techniques like micro-Fourier transform infrared (micro-FTIR) are vital for MP analysis.
- Organic matrix interference hinders reliable MP detection in environmental samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an enzymatic method for purifying microplastics from organic contaminants.
- To establish a universally applicable protocol for MP purification across various environmental matrices.
- To facilitate accurate microplastic analysis using spectroscopic techniques.
Main Methods:
- A basic enzymatic purification protocol (BEPP) was developed using technical grade enzymes.
- The BEPP was tested on surface water samples, achieving significant matrix reduction.
- An improved, universally applicable BEPP was developed considering diverse sample matrices.
Main Results:
- The basic enzymatic purification protocol (BEPP) reduced the sample matrix by 98.3 ± 0.1%.
- A high microplastic recovery rate of 84.5 ± 3.3% was achieved.
- The improved BEPP was successfully applied to environmental samples from the North Sea and other matrices.
Conclusions:
- Enzymatic purification is an efficient and safe alternative to harsh chemical treatments for microplastic analysis.
- The developed protocol enhances the reliability of spectroscopic identification of microplastics in complex environmental samples.
- The universally applicable BEPP is suitable for micro-FTIR analysis of microplastics in water, wastewater, sediment, biota, and food.
