Welcome to Microplastic Research – Analytical Methods for Microplastic Quantification

The course will start with the principles of techniques for sampling of microplastics and with the principles of extraction of such samples. We will discuss the steps needed in cleaning up samples for natural organic and inorganic matter, as well as getting samples ready for subsequent identification. We will cover approaches and issues for QA/QC of your analysis, here amongst field blanks, laboratory blanks, recovery studies, and what are appropriate sample sizes to obtain statistically robust data.

From here, the focus shifts towards some theory on suitable techniques for microplastics characterisation. We will cover the most commonly applied techniques, namely ATR-FTIR and μFTIR imaging – the combination of light microscopy with spectral images generated by Focal Plane Array (FPA) or linear array-based instruments to a particle assembly. The second commonly used spectroscopic method, Raman, is also covered. We address Raman spectroscopy and its application for automated particle selection for faster mapping. The last family of covered techniques are thermal degradation techniques, where we focus on pyrolysis GC-MS as the most used technique. The last step in microplastics research is the interpretation of the obtained data. We provide our solution for it in the software siMPle, which is used for (semi)automated μFTIR imaging and Raman imaging data interpretation. You will learn the principles behind and will get first-hand experience during our practice session. Furthermore, international experts in the field will provide information on, e.g., transport and processes, ecotoxicity, and governance framework for microplastics.

Learning objectives: This course aims to equip PhD students at both national and international levels with comprehensive and practical knowledge in the theory, techniques, and interdisciplinary aspects of microplastic research. By the end of the course, participant will be able to:

- Acquire a diverse skill set for sampling microplastics across various matrices, encompassing biotic and abiotic contexts, from natural environments to the human health domain.

- Implement robust Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) measures to ensure the generation of high-quality data suitable for publication in peer-reviewed articles.

- Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying principles behind key analytical techniques employed in microplastic characterization, including ATR-FTIR and μFTIR imaging, Raman spectroscopy, and pyrolysis GC-MS.

- Develop Competence in Systematic Identification of Microplastics with siMPle.

- Recognize and actively engage with leading experts in the field of microplastic research, fostering valuable connections and gaining their insights in the current advancements and challenges in the context of microplastic analysis.

Teaching methods: The course features eight two-hour online lectures and three panel discussions, each hosting leading experts. The structure of the course will be as follows:

L1. Introduction & Student presentations

L2. Sampling Microplastics

L3. Sample preparation

L4. FT-IR Theory and applications to microplastic analysis

L5. The complexity behind siMPle - μFTIR imaging and analysis

L6. Raman spectroscopy

L7. Pyrolysis- GC/MS for microplastic quantification

L8. Insights into microplastic ecotoxicity

L9. Panel discussion - Analytical Methods - A Guide to Choosing the Right Approach?

L10. Panel discussion - Microplastic Research Beyond Academia

L11. Panel discussion - TBA

Criteria for assessment:

- Mandatory attendance in all scheduled course lectures.

- Deliver a brief presentation introducing the participant and their research topic.

- Submit a report summarizing acquired knowledge during the course, tailored to align with the participant's research objectives.

ECTS: 3

Key literature:

Ivleva, N. P. (2021). Chemical Analysis of Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Challenges, Advanced Methods, and Perspectives. Chemical Reviews, 121(19), 11886–11936. https://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMREV.1C00178

Liu, F., Vianello, A., & Vollertsen, J. (2019). Retention of microplastics in sediments of urban and highway stormwater retention ponds. Environmental Pollution, 255, 113335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113335

Löder, M. G. J., Imhof, H. K., Ladehoff, M., Löschel, L. A., Lorenz, C., Mintenig, S., Piehl, S., Primpke, S., Schrank, I., Laforsch, C., & Gerdts, G. (2017). Enzymatic Purification of Microplastics in Environmental Samples. Environmental Science and Technology, 51(24), 14283–14292. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.7b03055

Primpke, S., Cross, R. K., Mintenig, S. M., Simon, M., Vianello, A., Gerdts, G., & Vollertsen, J. (2020). Toward the Systematic Identification of Microplastics in the Environment: Evaluation of a New Independent Software Tool (siMPle) for Spectroscopic Analysis. Applied Spectroscopy, 74(9), 1127–1138. https://doi.org/10.1177/0003702820917760/ASSET/IMAGES/LARGE/10.1177_0003702820917760-FIG6.JPEG

Simon, M., van Alst, N., & Vollertsen, J. (2018). Quantification of microplastic mass and removal rates at wastewater treatment plants applying Focal Plane Array (FPA)-based Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) imaging. Water Research, 142, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.WATRES.2018.05.019

Vianello, A., Jensen, R. L., Liu, L., & Vollertsen, J. (2019). Simulating human exposure to indoor airborne microplastics using a Breathing Thermal Manikin. Scientific Reports 2019 9:1, 9(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-45054-w

Welcome to Modelica-based simulation of building and district energy systems

Course description:

Due to climate change, more stringent building energy standards are enforced to reduce building primary energy use. This causes a shift towards the use of more advanced and complex heating and cooling systems for the built environment.

Energy simulation programs are powerful tools that have been increasingly used by engineers and researchers for the design, analysis and optimization of energy and district energy systems. However, today’s programs have difficulties to handle the challenges posed by the complexity of future systems, which are expected to integrate renewable energies, thermal storage, and advanced control algorithms.

This course aims to present latest developments in modeling and simulation of building and district energy systems based on Modelica modeling language. Modelica is an open-source language that features ease of use, visual design of models with combination of Lego-like predefined blocks, ability to define model libraries with reusable components, and support for modeling and simulation of complex applications involving parts from different engineering domains.

The course is organized in three days. In the first day, the course gives a basic introduction of Modelica fundamentals by introducing object-oriented and equation-based modeling. In the second day, the concepts previously learnt are used to develop a building model equipped with a radiator system and an air-based cooling system. In the third day, a district heating system model will be developed by connecting substations, piping network and central plant.

Day 1: Introduction to Modelica and Dymola

·      What is Modelica?

·      Dymola software tool

·      Basics of the Modelica modeling language

·      Object-oriented and equation-based formulation

·      Modelica libraries

Day 2: Hands-on training: Simple house with radiator heating system

·      Solving 1D transient heat conduction

·      Creating a single-room model

·      Building envelope modeling

·      Radiator heating system and controller

Day 3: Hands-on training: District heating system

·      Substations

·      Piping network

·      Ground losses

·      Central plant

Prerequisites:

·      Basic knowledge of any programming language

·      Basic knowledge of building simulation programs

·      Knowledge of thermo-fluid dynamics and heat transfer mechanisms in buildings

Learning objectives:

After the course, participants will be able to use Modelica libraries, create models of building rooms and heating/cooling systems on their own, run simulations, and analyze results.

Teaching methods:

Teaching will be provided as a mix of lecture presentations, hands-on trainings, simulation exercises and discussions.

Criteria for assessment:

Participants will be evaluated through a final assignment, which consists in the preparation of a report to be delivered 2 weeks after the end of the course.

Key literature:

·      Peter Fritzson. (2014). Principles of Object-Oriented Modeling and Simulation with Modelica 3.3: A Cyber-Physical Approach. John Wiley & Sons.

·      Jan Hensen and Roberto Lamberts. (2019). Building Performance Simulation for Design and Operation. Routledge.

·      Michael Wetter, Wangda Zuo, Thierry S. Nouidui & Xiufeng Pang. (2014). Modelica Buildings library, Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 7:4, 253-270.

Organizer:

Alireza Afshari, Professor (Aalborg University)

Lecturers:

Alessandro Maccarini, Assistant Professor (Aalborg University, Denmark)

Michael Wetter, Computational Senior Scientist (LBNL, USA)

Rene Just Nielsen, Simulation and Control Engineer (Added Values, Denmark)

ECTS:

3.0 ECTS

Time:

21-23 August 2024

Place:

Aalborg University (Copenhagen campus). Online participation will be available.

Max. number of participants:

20

Deadline for registration:

Fore more details and pre-registration see https://amaccarini.github.io/Modelica-PhD-course/

Important information concerning PhD courses: We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 3000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.