Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

Magnetism-Assisted Density Gradient Separation of Microplastics

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.

2022 Analytical Chemistry 13 citations
Article Tier 2

Density-Based Characterization of Microplastics via Cross-Halbach Magnetic Levitation

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.

2025 Nanomaterials
Article Tier 2

Radial Magnetic Levitation and Its Application to Density Measurement, Separation, and Detection of Microplastics

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.

2023 Analytical Chemistry 13 citations
Article Tier 2

Biphasic Magnetic Levitation to Detect Organic Pollutants on Microplastics

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.

2022 Analytical Chemistry 12 citations
Article Tier 2

A Magnetic Levitation System for Range/Sensitivity-Tunable Measurement of Density

Researchers developed a magnetic levitation (MagLev) system capable of measuring the density of small objects across a tunable range of sensitivity. The system can identify materials by their density, which has applications for sorting and identifying microplastics by polymer type. A versatile density-measurement tool could streamline microplastic characterization in environmental samples.

2023 Sensors 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Multidimensional Separation by Magnetic Seeded Filtration: Experimental Studies

Not directly relevant to microplastics — this study investigates magnetic seeded filtration as a multidimensional separation technique for particles based on size and surface charge.

2023 Powders 14 citations
Article Tier 2

Non-Destructive Extraction and Separation of Nano- and Microplastics from Environmental Samples by Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation

Researchers developed a non-destructive method using density gradient ultracentrifugation to extract and separate different types of nano- and microplastics from environmental samples. The study demonstrates that this approach can effectively separate various plastic polymer types from complex environmental matrices based on their density differences, offering a promising new tool for microplastic analysis.

2022 Analytical Chemistry 42 citations
Article Tier 2

Density-Based Multi-Stage Flotation Sorting of Microplastics in Beach Sand

Researchers developed a density-based multi-stage flotation sorting method for separating microplastics from beach sand, achieving high separation efficiency across multiple polymer types with different densities using sequential salt solutions of increasing concentration.

2025 American Journal of Environmental Protection
Article Tier 2

A new approach in separating microplastics from environmental samples based on their electrostatic behavior

Researchers developed a novel electrostatic separation method to isolate microplastics from environmental matrices based on differences in electrostatic behavior between plastic particles and natural materials. The technique offers a low-cost, chemical-free approach to microplastic extraction that could complement or replace existing density separation methods in some applications.

2017 Environmental Pollution 245 citations
Article Tier 2

Validation of density separation for the rapid recovery of microplastics from sediment

Researchers validated a density separation method for rapidly recovering microplastics from sediment samples, confirming it as a reliable and efficient approach for routine environmental monitoring.

2016 Analytical Methods 505 citations
Article Tier 2

Enhanced density separation efficiency of microplastics in presence of nonionic surfactants

Scientists improved the density-separation technique for sorting mixed microplastics by adding nonionic surfactants, boosting the purity of separated polymer types from as low as 69% to up to 96%. Better sorting methods are essential for both accurately measuring microplastic contamination and enabling recycling of plastic waste streams.

2024 Environmental Research 3 citations
Article Tier 2

Not all microplastics are created equal. Quantifying efficacy bias and validation of density separation methods

Researchers evaluated and validated density separation methods for extracting microplastics from environmental matrices, quantifying efficacy bias across different polymer types with varying densities. They found that recovery rates differ substantially depending on polymer density relative to the separation solution, introducing systematic bias in microplastic concentration estimates across studies.

2024 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Article Tier 2

A novel approach to extract, purify, and fractionate microplastics from environmental matrices by isopycnic ultracentrifugation

Researchers developed a novel isopycnic ultracentrifugation method for simultaneously extracting and fractionating microplastics from complex environmental matrices such as soil, demonstrating that diffusion-based density gradients enable separation of mixed polymer types according to their specific buoyant densities, overcoming limitations of conventional saturated salt density extraction.

2022 The Science of The Total Environment 13 citations
Article Tier 2

Rapid extraction of high- and low-density microplastics from soil using high-gradient magnetic separation

High-gradient magnetic separation was developed as a method to extract both high- and low-density microplastics from soil, overcoming the limitation of conventional density-based separation that often misses heavier plastic types. The approach improved overall microplastic recovery and offers a more complete picture of soil contamination.

2022 The Science of The Total Environment 40 citations
Article Tier 2

Comparison between two methods for microplastic separation from sandy sediments

Researchers compared two density-based methods for separating microplastics from sandy sediments, evaluating their performance on beach sand and mangrove soil samples. The study assessed the advantages and disadvantages of each approach to identify the most suitable method for large-scale in-situ monitoring programs.

2022 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Article Tier 2

An optimized density-based approach for extracting microplastics from soil and sediment samples

Researchers optimized a density-based extraction method for isolating microplastics from soil and sediment samples, testing different density solutions and separation steps to maximize recovery efficiency. The improved protocol reduces contamination risks and particle loss, enabling more accurate quantification of microplastics in terrestrial and freshwater sediment matrices.

2019 Environmental Pollution 215 citations
Article Tier 2

Controlling Small Particles for Two-Step Density Sorting of Simulated Microplastics: Overcoming Surface Tension Effects with Surfactants

Researchers developed a two-step density-based floatation sorting protocol for separating simulated microplastics from sediment samples, addressing the challenge of surface tension effects that cause particles to float regardless of density. By applying surfactants to overcome surface tension, the method provides a lower-cost alternative to infrared spectrometry for estimating the ratio of floating to sinking microplastics in environmental samples.

2025 Environment and Natural Resources Journal
Article Tier 2

Microplastic Collection With Ultra-High Magnetic Field Magnet by Magnetic Separation

Ultra-high magnetic field magnets were evaluated for collecting microplastics from ocean water through magnetic separation, offering a high-throughput processing approach that could complement existing microplastic cleanup technologies targeting the SDG goal of reducing ocean pollution.

2021 IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity 12 citations
Article Tier 2

A novel, highly efficient method for the separation and quantification of plastic particles in sediments of aquatic environments

Researchers improved a density separation method for isolating microplastics from aquatic sediments, achieving higher recovery rates and reducing processing time compared to earlier approaches. The validated method was designed to be reproducible and cost-effective, addressing the need for reliable standardized protocols in microplastic monitoring.

2012 Limnology and Oceanography Methods 654 citations
Article Tier 2

Study on Harnessing Ferrofluid Technology for Efficient Microplastic Extraction from Ocean Water and Optimization of Manufacturing Materials

Researchers developed a ferrofluid-based method for extracting microplastics from ocean water, using magnetic attraction to selectively capture plastic particles mixed with ferrofluid. The technique offers a novel, efficient approach for ocean microplastic remediation and sample collection.

2025
Article Tier 2

Recent Advances on Density Separation Techniques for Microplastic Recovery from Sediments

This review summarises recent advances in density separation techniques for extracting microplastics from sediments, evaluating the effectiveness of different salt solutions and comparing novel approaches such as electrostatic separation and pressurised fluid extraction against conventional methods.

2022 Sinaya A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students 4 citations
Article Tier 2

Comparison of Different Procedures for Separating Microplastics from Sediments

Researchers compared three different methodologies for separating dense microplastics from fine sediments, finding significant differences in recovery rates and identifying contamination risks during the separation procedures.

2021 Water 29 citations
Article Tier 2

Enhanced microplastic removal using a mini-hydrocyclone with microbubbles

Researchers improved microplastic separation from water by combining mini-hydrocyclones with microbubble injection, finding that the microbubbles reduced apparent microplastic density and substantially improved separation efficiency for particles with densities similar to water.

2025 Water Research
Article Tier 2

Hydrophobicity–water/air–based enrichment cell for microplastics analysis within environmental samples: A proof of concept

Researchers developed a new microplastic separation device that uses the hydrophobic properties of plastic particles combined with fine air bubbles to quickly and effectively extract microplastics from sediment and soil samples. The new method avoids harsh solvents that can degrade microplastic particles and offers a faster alternative to existing separation techniques.

2019 MethodsX 24 citations