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The pollution of the environment with microplastics MP (particles < 5mm) is a problem of increasing concern.1 A consistent methodology that facilitates detection of MP is still missing. Here we present the data recorded by applying different MP identification methods to a soil fortified with known amounts of MP.
In recent years, an increasing trend towards investigating and monitoring the contamination of the environment by microplastics (MP) (plastic pieces < 5 mm) has been observed worldwide. Nonetheless, a reliable methodology that would facilitate and automate the monitoring of MP is still lacking. With the goal of selecting practical and standardized methods, and considering the challenges in microplastics detection, we present here a critical evaluation of two vibrational spectroscopies, Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and two extraction methods: thermal extraction desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TED-GC-MS) and liquid extraction with subsequent size exclusion chromatography (SEC) using a soil with known contents of PE, PP, PS and PET as reference material. The obtained results were compared in terms of measurement time, technique handling, detection limits and requirements for sample preparation. The results showed that in designing and selecting the right methodology, the scientific question that determines what needs to be understood is significant, and should be considered carefully prior to analysis. Depending on whether the object of interest is quantification of the MP particles in the sample, or merely a quick estimate of sample contamination with plastics, the appropriate method must be selected. To obtain overall information about MP in environmental samples, the combination of several parallel approaches should be considered.
Long-term accumulation and fragmentation of plastic waste in ecosystems is currently a global subject of scientific and social concern. The combination of mechanical abrasion with degradation by UV radiation, and oxidation leads to the formation of small plastic particles (size less than 5 mm) which are not only distributed in oceanic and costal water, but also in sediments and terrestrial compartment. Since the contamination of the environment with plastic particles became emerging issue, an increasing trend towards investigating and controlling the MP pollution of the environment can be observed worldwide. Nonetheless, the reliable methodology that would facilitate and automate the monitoring of MP is still missing.
Aiming at the selection of practical and standardized methods we present here a critical comparison of two vibrational spectroscopies, Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and two extraction methods: thermal desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TED-GC-MS) and liquid extraction with subsequent size exclusion chromatography (SEC) using a soil (reference material) with known contents of PE, PP, PS and PET. The results are compared in terms of the measurements time, technique handling, detection limits and requirement for sample preparation.
The comparison of Raman and FTIR spectra provides broader understanding of the polymeric origin of the analysed particles. Furthermore, at the level of individual particle, Raman imaging yields additional information on the stage of the polymer degradation and contamination on the surface. On the other hand, by applying the thermal and liquid extraction methods the fast and quantitative analysis of MP content is possible. Therefore, to establish reliable, standardized detection methods a combination of several parallel approaches should be considered.