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Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis

Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis

Published on: December 16, 2016

A novel method for organic matter removal from samples containing microplastics.

Mercedes Lavoy¹, Jill Crossman¹

¹School of the Environment, University of Windsor, Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3P4, Canada.

Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)

|May 30, 2021

Summary

A novel enzymatic digestion method using septic tank cleaner effectively removes organic matter from wastewater sludge, aiding microplastic analysis. This rapid, cost-effective approach significantly improves microplastic extraction from environmental samples.

Keywords:

Biosolids Enzymatic digestion Micro-Raman spectroscopy Microplastics Wastewater treatment

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Analytical Chemistry
Microplastic Research

Background:

Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) sludge and biosolids are significant pathways for microplastic (MP) environmental entry.
High organic content in sludge obstructs accurate MP quantification and identification.
Efficient and cost-effective organic matter removal remains a critical challenge for MP analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a time- and cost-effective method for removing organic matter from sludge for improved MP analysis.
To evaluate the efficacy of a commercially available septic tank cleaner for enzymatic digestion of sludge.
To assess the impact of the digestion method on the integrity of microplastics.

Main Methods:

Sludge samples from a WWTP were treated with a septic tank cleaner (enzymes and bacteria) at various concentrations and heat treatments.
Digestion efficiency was compared to a control (no cleaner).
Virgin plastic pellets were analyzed post-digestion to assess MP integrity.

Main Results:

The enzymatic digestion method reduced organic content by 93%, a 22% improvement over the control.
No physical or chemical degradation of virgin plastic pellets was observed, confirming MP integrity.
The digestion process was completed in two days, significantly faster than traditional methods.

Conclusions:

A novel, cost-effective enzymatic digestion method using a commercial septic tank cleaner facilitates MP extraction from sludge.
This method offers a faster and more accessible alternative to existing chemical or laboratory-grade enzymatic approaches.
The technique preserves MP integrity, enabling more reliable microplastic analysis in environmental matrices.