We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A commonly available and easily assembled device for extraction of bio/non-degradable microplastics from soil by flotation in NaBr solution
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed and validated a low-cost, widely available device for separating both biodegradable (PBS, PBAT, PLA) and non-degradable (PE, PP, PVC, PET) microplastics from soil using density flotation in sodium bromide (NaBr) solution, with a combined circulation and recovery system to reduce salt waste. Spike-and-recovery experiments confirmed high accuracy and precision for both biodegradable and conventional microplastic types.
Soil microplastic pollution has caused widespread research attention worldwide. It is necessary to efficiently separate microplastic particles from soil matrixes in order to conduct studies of microplastic. And so far, few studies have described the separation and extraction devices of biodegradable microplastic. Here we present a commonly available device for extraction of non-degradable and biodegradable microplastics from soil samples in a NaBr solution based on density flotation. The device has a combined circulation and recovery system for the salt solution, which increases its environmental-friendliness. The accuracy and precision of the device was verified through spike and recovery experiments using three types of biodegradable microplastics (PBS, PBAT, PLA) and four types of non-degradable microplastics (LDPE, PS, PP, PVC), all with different particle sizes, and all microplastics are grinded autonomously, closer to reality. In despite of differences in particle size and density, for both biodegradable and non-degradable microplastics the device exhibited good extraction precision, with recovery rates ranging from 92% to 99.6%, over a wide range of particle densities and sizes. The recovery rates slightly increased with increased polymer density and microplastic particle size.
More Papers Like This
Laboratory Designed Portable Device for Density Separation and Characterization of Microplastics in Environmental Soil Samples
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists designed a small, portable device for extracting microplastics from soil and sediment samples using a density separation method with different salt solutions, successfully isolating PET, LDPE, PVC, and PP from samples collected in school yards, lakesides, and agricultural fields. A portable, low-cost device lowers the barrier to field-based microplastic monitoring and could enable wider participation in pollution surveys.
A method for extracting soil microplastics through circulation of sodium bromide solutions
AI summary Read the abstract
A sodium bromide solution circulation method was developed and validated for extracting microplastics from soil samples, offering a practical and efficient alternative to other density separation techniques. The method's high recovery efficiency and relatively low cost make it suitable for large-scale soil monitoring programs studying microplastic contamination in agricultural and natural soils.
Microplastic extraction from agricultural soils using canola oil and unsaturated sodium chloride solution
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a simple, economical method to extract microplastics from agricultural soil using canola oil buoyancy combined with sodium chloride density separation. Seven oils were tested, with canola oil providing good extraction of a broad range of plastic types. The approach offers a practical alternative for microplastic soil analysis without requiring specialized equipment.
Comparison of different salt solutions for density separation of conventional and biodegradable microplastic from solid sample matrices
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared different salt solutions for separating microplastics from solid environmental samples like sand, soil, and compost. Sodium bromide achieved the highest recovery rates of 87 to 100% for conventional plastics and 38 to 78% for biodegradable plastics, and the study highlights that sample matrix type significantly influences recovery and must be considered when choosing analytical methods.
Microplastic Extraction from Agricultural Soils Using Canola Oil and Unsaturated Sodium Chloride Solution and Evaluation by Incineration Method
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed and validated a simple, low-cost method for extracting microplastics from agricultural soils using canola oil and sodium chloride density separation, combined with incineration-based quantification, offering a practical approach for soil microplastic analysis in resource-limited settings.
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.