63403 2025 eng lecture 0 -- -- -- One of the main challenges in validating microplastics detection methods is the lack of suitable reference materials that accurately reflect the properties of interest. To bridge this gap, the EU-funded PlasticTrace project has developed water-soluble tablets containing precisely defined amounts of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles. Each tablet includes a specific mass (0.2, 18.5, or 400 µg) and particle count (151 or 1764, measured via Raman spectroscopy). Production follows a rigorous solid-phase dilution process, ensuring high reproducibility and quality control. The PET particles used in these tablets have an average size of approximately 40 µm, with a range between 10 and 200 µm, and an irregular, stone-like shape. All measurements align with ISO/TC 147/SC 2 standardization efforts and adhere to ISO/DIS 16094-2 and ISO/DIS 16094-3. To assess tablet homogeneity, the most widely accepted microplastics detection techniques, i.e. µ-FTIR, µ-Raman, Py-GC/MS, and TED-GC/MS, were applied. Different batches were produced, each containing varying particle numbers and masses, reaching the detection limits of the methods used. The results demonstrated excellent consistency between tablets, successfully passing homogeneity tests. Furthermore, no significant changes were observed in the tablets' composition or stability after six months of storage. This innovative reference material represents an important advancement in microplastics analysis, supporting laboratories in meeting EU Commission requirements for the monitoring of microplastics in drinking water and wastewater with greater accuracy and reliability. The production process can be transferred for other plastic particles is this size range. BERM 16 Halifax, Canada 01.06.2025 0 publish false true A Rossi eng uncontrolled Microplastics eng uncontrolled TED-GC/MS eng uncontrolled Reference materials eng uncontrolled Raman microscopy Analytische Chemie Sanitär- und Kommunaltechnik; Umwelttechnik 6 Materialchemie 6.5 Synthese und Streuverfahren nanostrukturierter Materialien Umwelt Umwelt-Material-Interaktionen Chemie und Prozesstechnik Chemische Charakterisierung und Spurenanalytik Datei im Netzwerk der BAM verfügbar ("Closed Access") Präsentation