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Extraction of Organochlorine Pesticides from Plastic Pellets and Plastic Type Analysis
Published on: July 1, 2017
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Extracting and characterizing microplastics and nanoplastics from environmental samples.
Nana Liu1,2, Zifu Li3, Shikun Cheng4
1School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Nature Protocols
|November 14, 2025
Summary
This study presents a standardized workflow for extracting and characterizing microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) from environmental samples. The four-step extraction method (FSEM) ensures high recovery and purity for accurate MNP analysis.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Measuring microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) is challenging due to varied extraction and characterization methods.
- Inconsistent techniques hinder the comparability of MNP environmental studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a standardized workflow for MNP preprocessing, extraction, and characterization.
- To improve the reliability and comparability of MNP analysis in environmental matrices.
Main Methods:
- A four-step extraction method (FSEM) involving predigestion, predensity separation, postdigestion, and postdensity separation.
- Guidance on using analytical techniques like ATR-FTIR, LDIR, and O-PTIR for MNP characterization (0.5-5,000 µm).
- Optimization advice for sample preparation based on matrix complexity and analysis goals.
Main Results:
- The FSEM achieved high recovery rates (83.7%-100%) for common polymers.
- The workflow minimizes artefactual changes, maximizing particle purity.
- Experimental details for micro-FTIR analysis of microplastics >10 µm are provided.
Conclusions:
- The presented workflow offers a reliable and reproducible method for MNP analysis.
- Standardized protocols are crucial for advancing MNP research and environmental monitoring.
- The workflow is accessible to environmental researchers, technicians, and students with appropriate equipment.
