We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Tracking the behavior and characteristics of microplastics using a multi-analytical approach: a case study in two contrasting coastal areas of Japan
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers applied a multi-analytical approach combining stable carbon isotope analysis and thermogravimetric analysis to characterize microplastics collected from two contrasting coastal areas of Japan. Isotope signatures of PE, PP, and PS microplastics matched commercial product ranges, while thermal analysis revealed that degradation and particle colour significantly influence microplastic behaviour and degradability in the aquatic environment.
The global survey for the presence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments has attracted widespread scientific attention over the past decade. However, evaluating the composition and characteristics of these anthropogenic debris using highly sensitive techniques is still under consideration. This study demonstrates a multidimensional analytical approach, including isotopic and thermogravimetric analyses to evaluate characteristics and behavior of MPs in the environment. The MP samples were collected in two contrasting coastal areas of Japan. The stable carbon isotope (δC) ratios of field-collected polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) MPs ranged from -25.6‰ to -31.4‰, -23.4‰ to -30.9‰, and -27.3‰ to -28.6‰, respectively. The detected isotope signatures were similar to those of commercial products. In addition, the differences in δC signature were determined between MPs with different colors. Through thermal analysis, the single-step endothermic process was observed for environmental PE and PS-MPs. Patterns in the thermograms revealed dissimilarities in degradability among the PE-MPs with different colors. The results reveal that degradation (aging) may play a significant role in the behavior and characteristics of MP debris in the aquatic environment. The present study provides fundamental data of environmental MPs from the isotopic and thermogravimetric aspects and highlights the usefulness of the approach for advances in MP research.
More Papers Like This
Tracing the fate of microplastic carbon in the aquatic food web by compound-specific isotope analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used compound-specific stable isotope analysis with fully labelled carbon-polyethylene microplastics to trace the fate of microplastic carbon through aquatic food webs, demonstrating that microbial activity is required for breakdown and assimilation of microplastic carbon.
Mass Spectrometry Insight for Assessing the Destiny of Plastics in Seawater
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated isotope ratio mass spectrometry as a tool for identifying the origin of plastic materials in seawater and monitoring their chemical degradation, finding it effective for tracking compositional changes in marine plastic pollution.
Application of multi-step approach for comprehensive identification of microplastic particles in diverse sediment samples
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a multi-step analytical approach to comprehensively identify and characterize microplastics in environmental samples, combining visual, spectroscopic, and thermal analysis. A systematic, multi-method approach is needed to capture the full diversity of microplastic types present in complex environmental matrices.
Characterization of microplastic degradation in marine ecosystems using spectrometric techniques of stable isotopes and infrared
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed three types of microplastics — polyethylene pellets, polystyrene balls, and polypropylene mask pieces — to seawater with and without light, and to in-situ conditions at two sites on the Brazilian coast with different pollution levels. Infrared spectroscopy showed that light exposure accelerates surface degradation, and that environmental conditions at polluted urban sites cause faster weathering than cleaner ones. The study provides evidence that sunlight and local pollution levels both influence how quickly marine microplastics break down and change their chemical properties.
An Integrated Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Coastal Surface Water and Sediment of Japan
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a comprehensive survey of microplastic pollution in surface water and sediment at 15 coastal locations across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. They extracted over 53,000 suspected microplastic particles and identified the most common polymers using FTIR spectroscopy. The study provides an integrated baseline dataset for understanding the extent and distribution of microplastic contamination along Japanese coastlines.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.