We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Biphasic Magnetic Levitation to Detect Organic Pollutants on Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a biphasic magnetic levitation system for detecting organic pollutants sorbed onto microplastics, using a paramagnetic aqueous donor phase containing mixed microplastics alongside a diamagnetic organic acceptor phase. Position-dependent trapping of microplastics in a magnetic field enabled density-based separation and quantification of co-occurring organic contaminants.
Microplastics have the potential to adsorb organic pollutants due to their lipophilic nature. Evaluating the distribution of multiple organic pollutants in different types of microplastics coexisting in a sample is a strenuous and challenging analytical task. Here, we report position-dependent microplastic trapping in a biphasic medium comprising a paramagnetic aqueous donor phase containing the mixed microplastics and a diamagnetic organic acceptor phase. Depending on the relative height of the sample container positioned in a magnetic field, the selective density-dependent trapping of microplastics is achieved. Concurrently, the organic pollutants adsorbed on the microplastics are desorbed in the organic acceptor phase, which is easily solidified, separated, and transferred for organic pollutant determination by high-performance liquid chromatography. This facilitates analytical studies involving multiple organic pollutants distributed in solid heterogeneous mixtures.
More Papers Like This
Bidimensional Dynamic Magnetic Levitation: Sequential Separation of Microplastics by Density and Size
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a two-dimensional dynamic magnetic levitation technique that simultaneously separates microplastics by both material density and particle size in a single step. The 2D-MagLev method addresses a key gap in microplastic sample preparation by resolving mixtures of plastics that differ in both polymer type and particle dimensions.
Density-Based Characterization of Microplastics via Cross-Halbach Magnetic Levitation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a Cross-Halbach magnetic levitation device to characterise microplastics by density, successfully levitating common plastic samples varying in size and concentration and recording levitation times within 180 seconds. Characterised density values validated against theoretical data demonstrated that magnetic levitation provides a robust, accessible method for identifying microplastic types without the need for spectroscopic instrumentation.
Magnetism-Assisted Density Gradient Separation of Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a magnetism-assisted density gradient separation method using a specialized cell connected to a gradient pump and positioned between opposing neodymium magnets, through which increasing MnCl2 concentration gradients sequentially suspend and collect different microplastic types by density for efficient separation from complex particle mixtures.
Radial Magnetic Levitation and Its Application to Density Measurement, Separation, and Detection of Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a new radial magnetic levitation (MagLev) device using ring magnets that doubles the working distance compared to standard designs, enabling more accurate density-based measurement and separation of materials. The study demonstrates the system's direct application to detecting and sorting microplastic particles by density, offering a rapid, chemical-free method for identifying different polymer types in environmental samples. This technology could become a practical tool for field and laboratory microplastic analysis, helping researchers and regulators better quantify plastic contamination.
Magneto-PhotothermalSynergistic Hydrophobicity Nanoplatformfor Efficient Enrichment and Ultrasensitive Detection of Micro-Nanoplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a hydrophobic magnetic nanoplatform that integrates multiple functions, achieving microplastic removal efficiencies of 93.8% for larger particles and 87.2% for nanoplastics in ultrapure water, while also enabling ultrasensitive detection of the captured particles.
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.