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An overview of microplastics characterization by thermal analysis
Rosa Peñalver1, Natalia Arroyo-Manzanares1, Ignacio López-García1
1Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare-Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100, Murcia, Spain.
Chemosphere
|November 2, 2019
Summary
Developing better methods to detect microplastics is crucial for understanding their environmental impact. This review explores thermal analytical techniques for reliable microplastic characterization.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microplastics, originating as primary or secondary particles, pose environmental risks.
- Understanding microplastic dynamics requires standardized, automated, and rapid detection methods.
- Current methodologies for microplastic sampling, extraction, and characterization need improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of thermal analytical techniques for microplastic characterization.
- To highlight emerging trends in thermal analysis for microplastic identification.
- To address the need for harmonized and reliable microplastic analysis.
Main Methods:
- Focuses on thermal analytical techniques.
- Reviews existing literature on microplastic characterization using thermal methods.
- Highlights new trends and advancements in the field.
Main Results:
- Thermal analytical techniques show significant potential for microplastic characterization.
- Emerging trends offer more automated, rapid, and reliable analysis.
- These techniques can contribute to harmonized methodologies.
Conclusions:
- Thermal analytical techniques are promising for accurate microplastic characterization.
- Advancements in thermal analysis can lead to standardized and efficient detection.
- Further development is needed to fully realize the potential for environmental monitoring.
