Welcome to Microplastic analysis applying MFT-IR imaging, ATR-FR-IR and other techniques
Description:
Microplastic in the environment was first described by marine biologists in 2004 and research of microplastic has until recently mainly been driven by the field of marine ecology. Microplastic in general has in the resent years gained increasing political awareness, where occurrence, emission, and reduction potentials have been on the agenda. Analysis of microplastic in environmental samples is far from straight forward or standardized and researchers around the globe experiment with various techniques for sample preparation, analysis, and interpretation.
The first step in microplastic analysis is sample preparation where a sample is pretreated to remove natural organic and inorganic particles and concentrate the microplastic particles for subsequent identification of plastic material and size. The choice of method for sample preparation depends on the matrix analyzed and differs significantly between, for instance, soil, wastewater, surface water, animal tissue.
The second step in the analysis is the identification of plastic material and size. The general agreement is that FT-IR based techniques are the most promising in this respect. Especially techniques applying μFT-IR spectroscopy – where light microscopy together with spectral images generated by (for example) a Focal Plane Array are applied to a particle assembly – have proven very promising. This second step consists of two sub-steps: 1) The scanning of a particle assembly located on a carrier suitable for μFT-IR spectroscopy; 2) Analysis of the spectra obtained and determination of particle size.
All three steps require a high degree of expertise and training. In this PhD course we introduce all three steps and discuss issues, pro and cons of different approaches. The course is organized as some introduction lectures and a lot of hands-on experience. The course is structured in 3 main parts:
Sample preparation: Depending on the matrix to be analyzed, sample preparation can take quite some time. Therefore, the PhD student prepares his/hers own sample prior to the course. The sample preparation method is discussed with the course supervisors and done so that the concentrated sample is suited for subsequent μFT-IR spectroscopy. In addition, various sample preparation methods are tried during the course to get hands-on experience.
Scanning of a sample with μFT-IR spectroscopy: A general introduction to μFT-IR spectroscopy is given and the function of such equipment is demonstrated. The samples prepared by the PhD students are scanned.
Spectral analysis: The spectra obtained from the scans are analyzed in plenum.
In addition to the μFT-IR spectroscopy, hands on with single point ATR-FT-IR and an introduction to thermal desorption / pyrolysis GC-MS is covered by the course.
Organizer: Professor Jes Vollertsen, e-mail: jv@civil.aau.dk
Lecturers: Professor Jes Vollertsen, Aalborg University, Associate Professor Asbjørn Haaning Nielsen, Aalborg University, Robert Wills, Agilent Technologies Molecular Spectroscopy Product Specialist – UK, Ireland & Nordics
ECTS: 5
Time: 22-26 October 2018
Place: Aalborg University
City:
Number of seats: 15
Deadline: October 1, 2018
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 5,000 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 three 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.
- Teacher: Jes Vollertsen