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Efficient pretreatment method for analyzing microplastics in urban road dust containing composite materials
Kanako Yamamoto1, Soyoung Lee2, Tomohiro Tobino1,2,3
1Department of Urban Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Summary
Cellulolytic enzyme decomposition (EZM) is more effective than Fenton (FT) for recovering composite microplastics (MPs) from road dust, especially those from road marking paint. EZM aids in understanding environmental MP contamination.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Polymer Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Tire wear particles (TWPs) and road marking paint (RMP) fragments are significant contributors to composite microplastics (MPs) in urban road dust.
- These MPs are subsequently transported to aquatic environments, posing ecological risks.
- Limited research exists on the impact of organic decomposition methods on composite MP analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of cellulolytic enzyme decomposition (EZM) and Fenton (FT) methods for analyzing composite MPs in urban road dust.
- To compare the recovery rates and characteristics of MPs obtained using EZM and FT.
- To identify the most suitable organic matter decomposition method for composite MP analysis in environmental samples.
Main Methods:
- Urban road dust samples were subjected to organic matter decomposition using cellulolytic enzyme decomposition (EZM) and Fenton (FT) methods.
- The abundance and characteristics of microplastics (MPs), specifically tire wear particles (TWPs) and road marking paint (RMP) fragments, were analyzed.
- Particle counts and material proportions were compared between the two decomposition methods.
Main Results:
- The EZM method demonstrated a 1.1–4.5 times higher recovery of synthetic polymers compared to the FT method, based on particle number.
- Differences in orange particle counts (suspected RMP) were observed, potentially due to buffer effects in EZM.
- No significant difference in black particle counts (suspected TWPs) was found, though FT might influence the proportion of tire material.
Conclusions:
- Cellulolytic enzyme decomposition (EZM) is a more effective method for quantifying composite microplastics (MPs) from urban road dust, particularly for RMP-derived particles.
- EZM is recommended for analyzing samples with a high proportion of RMP-suspected particles.
- The choice of organic matter decomposition method should be tailored to sample characteristics and research objectives for accurate MP analysis.
