We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Efficient microplastics extraction from sand. A cost effective methodology based on sodium iodide recycling
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a more cost-effective method for extracting microplastics from beach sand by recycling the sodium iodide (NaI) solutions used in the separation process. After 10 recycling cycles, solutions lost only 35.9% of their mass while maintaining the density needed for plastic extraction, making beach microplastic monitoring significantly cheaper.
Evaluating the microplastics pollution on the shores requires overcoming the technological and economical challenge of efficient plastic extraction from sand. The recovery of dense microplastics requires the use of NaI solutions, a costly process. The aim of this study is to decrease this cost by recycling the NaI solutions and to determine the impact of NaI storage. For studying the NaI recyclability, the solution density and the salt mass have been monitored during ten life cycles. Density, pH and salt mass have been measured for 40days to assess the storage effect. The results show that NaI solutions are recyclable without any density alterations with a total loss of 35.9% after the 10cycles of use. During storage, chemical reactions may appear but are reversible. Consequently, the use of recycling methods allows for a significant cost reduction. How far the plastic extraction by dense solutions is representative is discussed.
More Papers Like This
Improving cost-efficiency for MPs density separation by zinc chloride reuse
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a cost-efficient protocol for reusing zinc chloride (ZnCl2) solution in density-based microplastic separation from aquatic samples, demonstrating that the reagent can be recovered and reused multiple times without significant loss of separation effectiveness. The approach reduces the financial and environmental costs associated with using high-density salt solutions in microplastic extraction workflows.
Microplastics extraction efficiency using different salts and hydrogen peroxide
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared the effectiveness of different density separation salts and hydrogen peroxide treatment for extracting microplastics from marine sediments. The study provides practical guidance for laboratories on which extraction methods offer the best balance of cost, safety, and particle recovery efficiency.
Selection of a density separation solution to study microplastics in tropical riverine sediment
AI summary Read the abstract
A comparison of density separation solutions for extracting microplastics from tropical riverine sediment found that sodium iodide and zinc chloride achieved higher recovery rates than sodium chloride for dense polymers, but cost and environmental safety concerns favor NaCl for use in developing countries.
Considerations on salts used for density separation in the extraction of microplastics from sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
A review of 50 studies on microplastic extraction from marine sediments found that NaCl (45.6%), ZnCl (19.3%), and NaI (17.5%) are the most used density-separation salts, with significant tradeoffs in cost, hazard, and extraction efficiency that complicate cross-study comparisons.
Comparing methods for optimising microplastic extraction in sediment through density separation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared six density separation solutions and two transfer methods for extracting microplastics from marine sediment. CaCl2-saturated solution with decantation achieved 90% recovery regardless of polymer type, size, or shape, and was safer and cheaper than the next-best option (ZnCl2), recommending it as a standardized method.
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.