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Standard Test Method for Identification of Polymer Type and Quantity of Microplastic Particles and Fibers in Waters with High to Low Suspended Solids Using Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Summary
This paper describes the development of an ASTM standard test method using pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) to identify and quantify specific polymer types in microplastic particles and fibers across a wide range of water types, from drinking water to marine water. Standardizing how microplastics are measured is a critical step toward producing comparable data across studies and enabling consistent regulatory monitoring. A validated, accepted method like this helps close the large gaps in microplastic data that currently hinder risk assessment and policy-making.
Significance and Use 5.1 Preliminary studies have identified polymeric organic compounds as contaminants in treated drinking water, wastewater, surface water, ground water, and marine waters. These polymers may be harmful to the environment and adversely
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