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Microplastic sample purification methods - Assessing detrimental effects of purification procedures on specific
Isabella Schrank1, Julia N Möller1, Hannes K Imhof1
1Department of Animal Ecology I and BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany.
The Science of the Total Environment
|March 30, 2022
Summary
Comparing microplastic purification methods, this study found that strong acids and alkalis can degrade plastics. Safer alternatives like Fenton's reagent and enzymatic digestion are recommended for accurate microplastic analysis.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Microplastic analysis requires effective sample purification.
- Existing protocols vary in efficiency and potential for polymer degradation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically compare the effects of different purification protocols on eight common plastic types.
- To identify protocols that minimize polymer degradation during microplastic analysis.
Main Methods:
- Acidic, alkaline, oxidative, and enzymatic digestion, plus density separation were tested.
- Visible, gravimetric, surface (FTIR), and molecular (GPC) degradation were assessed.
Main Results:
- Strong acids/high temperatures degraded most polymers (PA, PC, PET, PS, PUR, PVC).
- Strong alkaline solutions damaged PC and PET.
- Fenton's reagent, enzymatic digestion, and zinc chloride solutions showed no degradation for the tested polymers.
Conclusions:
- Certain purification protocols can compromise microplastic detection through polymer degradation.
- Fenton's reagent, enzymatic digestion, and zinc chloride are suitable for microplastic sample processing.
- These findings support the development of standardized microplastic analysis protocols.
