Microplastic analysis

Microplastics (MPs) are a new type of environmental pollutant, and its size range is generally considered to be between 1µm-5 mm. The plastic waste that enters the environment will eventually form microplastics through physical, chemical and biological actions. In addition, the emission of plastic microspheres or fibers in cosmetics, cleaning products, and textiles are also important sources of microplastics.

Research on microplastics is mainly divided into two categories: the impact on the environment and the impact on human health. Specifically include pollution characteristics of environmental microplastics; source analysis; degradation and surface changes of environmental microplastics; environmental migration behavior and prediction models of environmental microplastics; bioaccumulation, toxic effects and ecological safety of environmental microplastics; The interaction between microplastics and pollutants and health risks, etc. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastics, as well as the detection of microplastics additives and adsorbed pollutants, is one of the basic tasks of microplastics research. Matexcel can provide you with microplastic testing services.

We use qualitative analysis equipment to determine the type of microplastics (MPs), quantitative analysis equipment to determine the quantity, content, etc., and also analyze the chemical substances adhering to the surface of the microplastics.

The common methods for analyzing microplastics are as follows:

1. infrared spectrometer

In the analysis of marine wastes such as microplastics, there is a large number of samples, which requires simple and rapid measurement. FTIR can quickly determine its main components, and it can characterize organic components and some inorganic components. The infrared microscope can analyze the microplastics collected on the filter paper, even the tiny samples can be tested with high sensitivity, and the standard library can be used for the qualitative analysis of the microplastics.

2. Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography (Py-GC) is an analytical method for analyzing insoluble materials such as polymers, plastics, rubber, coatings, dyes, resins, coatings, fibers, and wood. Py-GCMS analysis of polymer materials can obtain detailed information that is difficult to obtain by other conventional GCMS methods.

3. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, the X-ray tube emits X-rays to irradiate the sample, and the atoms contained in the sample emit X-rays unique to the atom. Such X-rays are called fluorescent X-rays, and each element has a specific wavelength (energy). Therefore, qualitative analysis can be performed by detecting the wavelength (energy) of X-rays. In addition, the intensity of fluorescent X-rays has a functional relationship with the concentration, and quantitative analysis can be performed by detecting the intensity of characteristic X-rays of each element.

4. Differential scanning calorimeter

It is an analytical method that measures the thermal difference between the sample and the reference with the temperature change under the condition of temperature programming. It can measure the endothermic or exothermic reaction of substances, and can be used to characterize the physical properties of polymer materials and metal materials. This method can be used to measure the type and component ratio of microplastics.

5. Dynamic particle image analyzer

It is a particle image analysis system that can capture images of particles contained in a liquid sample, and perform particle size analysis, shape analysis, number concentration measurement, etc. When measuring a liquid sample containing microplastics, an image will be taken, and information about the number of particles and particle size distribution can be obtained in a short time.

If you have any questions about microplastics testing, feel free to contact us.

• Name
• Phone Number
• * Email
• Address
• * Service & Products of Interest
• Project Description
• Send