From sieve to microscope: An efficient technique for sample transfer in the process of microplastics’ quantification

MethodsX

Felix Gorka¹  Martin G.J. Löder²  Julia A. Prume³ 

[1] Bayreuth Graduate School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences (BAYNAT), University of Bayreuth;Corresponding author at: Department of Physics, Philipps University Marburg, Germany.;Department of Physics, Philipps University Marburg, Germany;

关键词: Sample transfer from sieve to microscope;   

DOI  :  

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

In the field of microplastics’ quantification, efficient and reproducible methodology is still needed. Procedures of sample fractionation and transfer are often insufficiently reported, although fractionating a sample in similarly sized particles is a crucial prerequisite for the subsequent detection and identification process. At the same time, fractionation is error-prone as particles can be lost during transfer between different vessels. This article presents a four-step technique of sample preparation and microscopic examination, suited for different kind of environmental samples (e.g., water, sediment, soil): The sample is size-fractionated in a sieve cascade (I), rinsed from the sieve and vacuum-filtrated onto a filter (II), rinsed from the filter into a glass petri dish with a low amount of water (III), and examined under the microscope in wet or dry condition (IV). The technique manages on standard laboratory equipment and is reliable for fragments > 300 µm: In a validation experiment with polypropylene, the average recovery was 94 ± 13.5% (arithmetic mean ± standard deviation) and 100% (median), respectively. • Reliable sample transfer after wet-sieving. • Concentration of the pretreated sample in a very small amount of water. • Usage of transmitted light in microscopy.

【 授权许可】

Unknown