Microplastics Monitoring in Japanese River Samples Using an Automatic Sample Preparation Device

Analyzing Microplastics in the Environment
Poster Presentation

Presented by R. Marfil-Vega
Prepared by Y. Ikezawa
Shimadzu Corporation, Environmental Business Unit, Analytical & Measuring Instruments Division, Kyoto, Kyoto, 604-8442, Japan


Contact Information: [email protected]; 410-910-0884

ABSTRACT

The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics in the environment is global issue that requires the collaboration of multiple stakeholders to ensure the life cycle of plastics is properly monitored and managed. Most international efforts have focused so far on the standardization and validation of detection techniques, including Raman and FTIR spectroscopy and Py-GCMS. However, now that regulations for MPs are being developed and more environmental laboratories are starting their routine analysis, effective sample preparation is crucial for their success. Current approaches for eliminating organic content from samples or for separating inorganic materials rely on manual digestion and density separation, and the performance of these steps depends on the operator's proficiency. In this presentation, we will provide an overview of a universal sample preparation process suitable for the follow-up analysis by Raman, FTIR or Py-GCMS. In addition, we will demonstrate the suitability of this system for MPs analysis with the monitoring results of Japanese river samples using an automated preparation device followed by FTIR.