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Extraction of Organochlorine Pesticides from Plastic Pellets and Plastic Type Analysis
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Characterization of inorganic elements in common consumer plastics using handheld X-ray fluorescence analyzer
Phylicia Ricketts1, Mitko Voutchkov2, André Gordon2
1The Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies, Mona campus, West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica. phylicia.ricketts02@uwimona.edu.jm.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|March 23, 2022
Summary
This study analyzed inorganic elements in Jamaican household plastics, finding varying concentrations across plastic types. Green plastics showed the highest element levels, highlighting the need for better plastic waste management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Increasing plastic use in consumer products raises concerns about potentially harmful inorganic elements.
- Characterizing elemental composition and usage patterns is crucial for assessing health risks associated with plastics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plastic usage patterns in Jamaican households.
- To characterize the inorganic elemental composition of consumer plastics using X-ray fluorescence (XRF).
Main Methods:
- Distributed 200 questionnaires to assess household plastic types and quantities.
- Collected and analyzed 130 plastic samples from 7 categories using a handheld XRF analyzer.
- Assessed participants' attitudes and behaviors towards plastic usage and disposal.
Main Results:
- Household plastics were primarily used for storage and personal hygiene.
- Inorganic elements detected (highest to lowest): Cl > Ti > Ba > Fe > Zn > Sb > Cr > Br > Cu > V > Pb > As.
- Green plastics exhibited the highest concentrations of elements; 10% of plastics were recycled, and 30% were burned.
Conclusions:
- The study provides essential data on elements present in common household plastics.
- Understanding plastic waste profiles can inform targeted strategies to reduce plastic pollution.
- Elemental variations by plastic type, especially in green plastics, warrant further investigation for health implications.
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