A New ASTM Method for Determination of Microplastic Particle Distribution, Size, Concentration, and Shape in Wastewater Samples Using a Dynamic Imaging Analyzer

Analyzing Microplastics in the Environment
Oral Presentation

Prepared by W. Lipps, H. Maeda, Y. Mizuno
Shimadzu, 7102 Riverwood Dr, Columbia, MD, 21046, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 19796762978

ABSTRACT

ASTM International Work Item 72349 is one of a series of methods currently under development by ASTM Committee D19 for the analysis of microplastics in water. This method depends on sampling and sample preparation by Practices D8332 Collection of Water Samples with High, Medium, or Low Suspended Solids for Identification and Quantification of Microplastic Particles and Fibers and Practice D8333 Preparation of Water Samples with High, Medium, or Low Suspended Solids for Identification and Quantification of Microplastic Particles and Fibers Using Raman Spectroscopy, IR Spectroscopy, or Pyrolysis-GC/MS respectively. Dynamic Imaging Analyzers measure particles flowing through a cell illuminated on one side with the shadows recorded. These instruments enable particle size, size distribution, and concentration to be measured. Particle shape can be determined from images made of the particles. This method cannot provide a qualitative identification of individual plastics and is intended to be complimentary to other ASTM Standard Methods using FTIR and Pyrolysis GCMS. Single lab development and method optimization data will be presented along with progress of the method to date.