We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Analysis of microplastics in theory and in practice
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper evaluated the theoretical and practical requirements for microplastic analysis in environmental samples, highlighting limitations of FTIR and Raman spectroscopy for regulatory compliance testing and proposing TED-GC-MS as a faster, more quantitative alternative. Developing standardized, metrologically traceable analysis methods is essential for regulatory monitoring of microplastic pollution.
Due to the favorable properties of polymers, their production and thus their input into the environment has increased significantly in recent decades. Currently, FTIR or Raman spectroscopy are mainly applied for the analysis of microplastic particles (MP) in environmental samples. However, these methods have great difficulties in determining metrologically traceable MP values, especially with regard to the limiting values, as preferred in regulation. Therefore, we developed a systematic and fast thermoanalytical method called TED-GC-MS (thermal extraction desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry), which determines mass contents. Now the current goal is the determination of its process parameters. This poster illustrates the theoretical requirements for MP analysis (left side) and contrast them with the current state of research (right side).Unexpected practical problems are presented and the relatively new method is discussed concerning the quality requirements of well-established methods such as LC-or GC-MS.
More Papers Like This
Analytical tools in advancing microplastics research for identification and quantification across environmental media: from sample to insight
AI summary Read the abstract
This review surveys analytical techniques used in microplastic research, covering sampling, extraction, and identification methods including FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and pyrolysis-GC/MS, highlighting trade-offs between throughput, sensitivity, and particle size detection limits.
Instrumental analysis of microplastics—benefits and challenges
AI summary Read the abstract
This review evaluates the benefits and challenges of instrumental analytical methods for microplastic analysis, including spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, Raman) and thermal methods (Py-GC-MS, TED-GC-MS), discussing their applicability to different sample types and size ranges. The paper serves as a comprehensive guide for researchers selecting methods to characterize microplastics in environmental samples.
Promising techniques and open challenges for microplastic identification and quantification in environmental matrices
AI summary Read the abstract
This review assessed current and emerging techniques for microplastic identification and quantification in environmental matrices, highlighting advantages and limitations of methods including FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and pyrolysis-GC/MS.
Current techniques for identifying, quantifying, and characterizing micro and nanoplastics with emphasis on strengths, limitations, and challenges
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed current analytical techniques for identifying, quantifying, and characterizing micro- and nanoplastics across environmental matrices. The review highlights the strengths and limitations of methods including FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and pyrolysis-GC/MS, and calls for standardization to improve comparability across studies.
Analytical methods for identifying microplastics in environment: a critical review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review systematically covers the full analytical pipeline for identifying environmental microplastics — from sample collection and density separation through digestion, filtration, and spectroscopic identification — highlighting that Raman spectroscopy outperforms FTIR for particles under 10 µm and that method standardization remains the central challenge for cross-study comparability.
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.