Chapters authored
Preparation and Analysis of Standard Microplastics
Over 14 million tons of microplastic have been accumulated in water resources and they are increasing yearly. About 8% of European microplastic released into the water are from synthetic textiles. This kind of microplastic is generally in the form of microfilaments. They have a higher potential to enter the food chain due to their size and shape. Although microfilaments generate great concern, no precise guidelines for their quantification and qualification are yet available. Thus, in this chapter, the origin of microfilaments is fully investigated. After that, a novel approach for identifying and counting microplastic with fiber shape is presented. An accurate method for preparing microfilament standard suspensions is described to facilitate lab tests and have a reliable methodology for monitoring microplastic pollution.
Part of the book: Advances and Challenges in Microplastics
Round Robin Test on Microplastic Counting and Identification Method
The aim of this work is to verify the quality, robustness, and accuracy of a standard analytical protocol for the determination of microplastics in aqueous textile matrices. In order to reach this objective, a round robin scale identification and quantification test program was conducted. In particular, this chapter describes the round robin test, an interlaboratory comparison test on standard microfilament suspensions initiated in November 2021 by an expression of interest open call. In total, 18 laboratories expressed their interest, and 13 participants sent their results. Each of these laboratories received a set of 10 samples, accompanied by a protocol. The 10 samples consisted of three replicates per type of three different synthetic yarns and a control sample. The data required were the number of microplastics per sample recognized as fibers or particles, microplastic fiber lengths and diameters, and identification of the polymer using vibrational spectroscopy (μ-FTIR and/or μ-Raman). The data collected were statistically elaborated. The results highlighted that the laboratories had different recovery rates directly related to their specific procedures and equipment. Although there were issues related to the correct use of the standard method and to the behavior of operators, the method proved to be valid for the determination of microplastics in aqueous matrices.
Part of the book: Advances and Challenges in Microplastics