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
Summary
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.