When every particle matters: A QuEChERS approach to extract microplastics from environmental samples
The identification of microplastics (MP), especially small (<500 μm) MP, using automated surface-chemistry approaches requires the best possible reduction of natural particles whilst preserving the integrity of the targeted synthetic polymers particles. In general, both natural and synthetic part...
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doaj-5336603f519c40399345a74747b5f3592021-01-02T05:10:01ZengElsevierMethodsX2215-01612020-01-017100784When every particle matters: A QuEChERS approach to extract microplastics from environmental samplesKristina Enders0Robin Lenz1Juliana A. Ivar do Sul2Alexander S. Tagg3Matthias Labrenz4Corresponding author.; Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Seestraße 15, 18119 Rostock, GermanyLeibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Seestraße 15, 18119 Rostock, GermanyLeibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Seestraße 15, 18119 Rostock, GermanyLeibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Seestraße 15, 18119 Rostock, GermanyLeibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Seestraße 15, 18119 Rostock, GermanyThe identification of microplastics (MP), especially small (<500 μm) MP, using automated surface-chemistry approaches requires the best possible reduction of natural particles whilst preserving the integrity of the targeted synthetic polymers particles. In general, both natural and synthetic particles can be highly diverse physically and chemically and MP extraction, particularly from complex matrices such as sediments, sludge and soils, requires efficient method pipelines. Our paper presents a universal framework of modular protocols (presented in a decision tree) that fulfil predefined user requirements (QuEChERS: Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe) as well as providing best practises for reasonable MP working conditions within a standard laboratory. New procedures and technical innovations for density separation of particle-rich matrices are presented, such as a spiral conveyor developed and validated for MP recovery. In sharing such best-practice protocols, we aim to help in the push towards MP quantification method standardisation. • Publication of protocols of an entire MP extraction (10 μm – 5 mm) pipeline for particle-based analysis of various environmental matrices • Modularity: Optimised quantitative sample preparation adapted to particle sizes and sample matrices • New protocols and technical innovations (e.g. spiral conveyor) optimise MP extractionhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215016120300042Sequential protocolPurification techniqueChemical digestionHandbook for laboratory workManual for good practices on microplastic extractionContamination prevention |
collection |
DOAJ |
language |
English |
format |
Article |
sources |
DOAJ |
author |
Kristina Enders Robin Lenz Juliana A. Ivar do Sul Alexander S. Tagg Matthias Labrenz |
spellingShingle |
Kristina Enders Robin Lenz Juliana A. Ivar do Sul Alexander S. Tagg Matthias Labrenz When every particle matters: A QuEChERS approach to extract microplastics from environmental samples MethodsX Sequential protocol Purification technique Chemical digestion Handbook for laboratory work Manual for good practices on microplastic extraction Contamination prevention |
author_facet |
Kristina Enders Robin Lenz Juliana A. Ivar do Sul Alexander S. Tagg Matthias Labrenz |
author_sort |
Kristina Enders |
title |
When every particle matters: A QuEChERS approach to extract microplastics from environmental samples |
title_short |
When every particle matters: A QuEChERS approach to extract microplastics from environmental samples |
title_full |
When every particle matters: A QuEChERS approach to extract microplastics from environmental samples |
title_fullStr |
When every particle matters: A QuEChERS approach to extract microplastics from environmental samples |
title_full_unstemmed |
When every particle matters: A QuEChERS approach to extract microplastics from environmental samples |
title_sort |
when every particle matters: a quechers approach to extract microplastics from environmental samples |
publisher |
Elsevier |
series |
MethodsX |
issn |
2215-0161 |
publishDate |
2020-01-01 |
description |
The identification of microplastics (MP), especially small (<500 μm) MP, using automated surface-chemistry approaches requires the best possible reduction of natural particles whilst preserving the integrity of the targeted synthetic polymers particles. In general, both natural and synthetic particles can be highly diverse physically and chemically and MP extraction, particularly from complex matrices such as sediments, sludge and soils, requires efficient method pipelines. Our paper presents a universal framework of modular protocols (presented in a decision tree) that fulfil predefined user requirements (QuEChERS: Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe) as well as providing best practises for reasonable MP working conditions within a standard laboratory. New procedures and technical innovations for density separation of particle-rich matrices are presented, such as a spiral conveyor developed and validated for MP recovery. In sharing such best-practice protocols, we aim to help in the push towards MP quantification method standardisation. • Publication of protocols of an entire MP extraction (10 μm – 5 mm) pipeline for particle-based analysis of various environmental matrices • Modularity: Optimised quantitative sample preparation adapted to particle sizes and sample matrices • New protocols and technical innovations (e.g. spiral conveyor) optimise MP extraction |
topic |
Sequential protocol Purification technique Chemical digestion Handbook for laboratory work Manual for good practices on microplastic extraction Contamination prevention |
url |
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215016120300042 |
work_keys_str_mv |
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