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Characterization and identification of microplastics in freshwater systems
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Researchers tested methods to identify tiny plastic particles (called microplastics) collected from freshwater samples, using techniques that measure melting behavior, density, and weight loss when heated. The methods successfully identified common plastics like polyethylene and polystyrene, and grouped samples by similar physical and chemical properties.
Freshwater microplastics (MP) are polymer particles with a longest dimension between 5 mm and 1 µm. Little is known about the effects of these particles in complex ecological systems, and in humans. To understand these effects, the characterization and identification of MP particles is necessary. In this research, sampling, separation, and analytical methods were implemented to isolate particles and to analyze the polymer functional group of environmental MP samples. Sampling and separation methods were adapted from existing marine systems and freshwater systems sample collection methodology. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and density measurements were used to identify polymer type and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) was implemented to obtain information on the presence of fillers or other additives. Samples were classified according to their physical parameters, such as size, colour, shape, and density. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to group samples with similar characteristics. Polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride freshwater samples were identified using these methods. PCA results show one cluster of samples comprised of semi-crystalline polymer material and the other containing amorphous polymer material. The characterization method outlined in this study can be used with freshwater polymer samples to predict polymer type, regardless of sampling method and location.
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