We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Detecting Microplastics in Soil and Sediment in an Undergraduate Environmental Chemistry Laboratory Experiment That Promotes Skill Building and Encourages Environmental Awareness
ClearResearch-based learning as an innovative approach for teaching students of environmental engineering: a case study of the emerging field of microplastics in soil
Researchers at a German university designed hands-on, low-cost laboratory experiments teaching environmental engineering students how microplastics affect soil processes, using a research-based learning approach instead of traditional lectures. The module was so effective that multiple students continued into graduate research on the topic and the course was made freely available online.
Observing Microplastics in the Environment through Citizen-Science-Inspired Laboratory Investigations
This paper describes three hands-on laboratory activities developed for high school students to extract, count, and identify microplastics from personal care products, water, and sediment samples, inspired by citizen science methods. The activities aim to increase students' environmental literacy and motivate engagement with the microplastics problem through direct experimentation. Engaging young people in microplastics science is important for building the next generation of environmentally aware citizens and researchers.
Exploring the integrated teaching method of chromatography and spectroscopy in instrumental analysis based on the detection of new pollutant microplastics
Researchers developed an integrated teaching approach for instrumental analysis courses that uses microplastic detection as a case study to combine chromatography and spectroscopy methods, demonstrating how emerging environmental pollutants can serve as practical, cross-disciplinary examples in undergraduate chemistry education.
Contaminants Adsorption on Microplastics as a Final Degree Project
This conference paper describes a student project on measuring contaminant adsorption onto microplastics as a final degree exercise, introducing students to analytical chemistry methods for studying microplastic-pollutant interactions. Hands-on education about microplastics helps train the next generation of researchers to address this global environmental challenge.
An efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly protocol for extracting microplastics from soil samples
Researchers developed an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly protocol for extracting microplastics from soil samples, addressing the lack of standardized methods and evaluating extraction performance across different soil matrices.
New techniques for the detection of microplastics in sediments and field collected organisms
Researchers developed new techniques for detecting microplastics in sediment samples and for collecting particles in the field, improving the reliability and sensitivity of methods used to monitor environmental microplastic contamination.
An economical fluorescent method for microplastic detection in soil samples
A simplified low-cost Nile Red fluorescent staining method was developed for detecting microplastics in soil, validated on sand spiked with 1–5 mm microplastics, and designed for accessibility in educational settings and community monitoring programs without requiring expensive laboratory equipment.
Common laboratory reagents: Are they a double-edged sword in microplastics research?
This study tested whether common laboratory reagents themselves are contaminated with microplastics and found measurable plastic particles in several widely used chemicals, raising the concern that lab reagents could be an overlooked source of contamination in microplastic research.
A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) using Ocean Plastic Microbes as a Framework that Is Impactful for Both In-Person and Online Course Modalities
This paper is not directly about microplastics as an environmental hazard; it describes a course-based undergraduate research experience built around studying microbes that colonize ocean plastic debris, using it as a pedagogical framework for biology laboratory courses.
A simple method for the extraction and identification of light density microplastics from soil
This study developed and validated a simple method for extracting and identifying low-density microplastics from sediment samples, offering a practical and cost-effective approach for environmental monitoring.
Detecting, sensibilization and measuring microplastics in the environment: a guidebook of practical activities for primary and secondary schools
Researchers developed a practical guidebook for primary and secondary school students to detect, measure, and understand microplastic pollution using table salt as a simple, accessible study matrix. The activities integrate scientific, technological, chemical, and geological concepts while addressing four UN Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to raise environmental awareness about microplastics in the educational system.
A new analytical approach for monitoring microplastics in marine sediments
Researchers developed a new analytical approach for monitoring microplastics specifically in marine sediments, improving extraction and identification steps to enable more reliable and standardized environmental monitoring of seafloor contamination.
Citizen_Labs – conception and evaluation of a course on plastic waste and microplastic in adult education
Researchers conceived and evaluated a citizen science laboratory course on plastic waste and microplastics for adult education, examining how experiential learning formats can raise environmental awareness and scientific literacy about plastic pollution among non-specialist participants.
Laboratory Designed Portable Device for Density Separation and Characterization of Microplastics in Environmental Soil Samples
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.
Improving analytical methods for the extraction and analysis of biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastics in the soil environment.
Researchers worked to improve analytical extraction and detection methods for both biodegradable and conventional microplastics in soil environments, addressing a critical methodological gap given that terrestrial soils are major sinks for microplastic pollution entering through agricultural and waste management pathways.
Detecting and Quantifying Microplastics in Bottled Water using Fluorescence Microscopy: A New Experiment for Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry Courses
This educational lab exercise teaches students to detect and count microplastics in bottled water using fluorescence microscopy and Nile Red staining. The exercise demonstrates that bottled water is a real exposure source and builds scientific literacy around microplastic contamination.
A Procedure for Measuring Microplastics using Pressurized Fluid Extraction
Researchers developed and tested a procedure for measuring microplastics in environmental samples using pressurized fluid extraction, finding it an efficient and effective method for recovering particles from complex matrices like sediments and soils.
Assessing experimental activities in chemistry instruction: a systematic review of available tools
This systematic review of assessment tools for chemistry lab activities found that most tools focus on cognitive outcomes in higher education, with limited attention to psychomotor skills or primary/secondary education levels. While not directly about microplastics, the review highlights gaps in how experimental science education is evaluated.
An Economic Fluorescent Method for Microplastics Detection in Soil Samples
Researchers developed a simplified, low-cost Nile red fluorescent dye method for detecting microplastics in soil samples, validating it on sand spiked with microplastics (1-5 mm) and achieving detection rates close to 100% using blue light illumination and orange filter glasses. Testing on urban lake sediment, agricultural soil, garden soil, and state park soil showed urban lake and garden samples had the highest microplastic densities, with the method suitable for educational outreach.
A new analytical technique for the extraction and quantification of microplastics in marine sediments focused on easy implementation and repeatability
This paper describes a new analytical method for extracting and quantifying microplastics from sediment using common laboratory equipment and salt solutions, making microplastic analysis more accessible to laboratories without specialized instruments. Standardized, low-cost methods are essential for expanding the geographic and temporal coverage of microplastic monitoring.
An Ocean of Science: an educational laboratory approach for the protection and preservation of the marine environment
An educational project called 'An Ocean of Science' developed laboratory activities for schoolchildren to learn about marine pollution, including microplastics, through hands-on scientific investigations. The program aimed to build scientific literacy and environmental awareness among students in multiple countries.
Microplastic analysis using chemical extraction followed by LC-UV analysis: a straightforward approach to determine PET content in environmental samples
Researchers developed a straightforward method for microplastic analysis combining chemical extraction with LC-UV detection to determine PET content in environmental samples including sewage sludge and bio-waste applied to agricultural soils. The study demonstrated that this approach provides quantitative data on terrestrial microplastic contamination via a practical laboratory workflow.
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.
An Economic Fluorescent Method for Microplastics Detection in Soil Samples
Researchers developed a low-cost fluorescent dye (Nile red) protocol for detecting microplastics in soil that uses inexpensive equipment and requires minimal technical expertise, achieving close to 100% detection accuracy when tested on spiked sand samples. Making microplastic detection accessible and affordable is key to broadening monitoring efforts, especially in schools and community settings that cannot access laboratory-grade instruments.