Microplastic Research with focus on Analytical Methods for Microplastic Quantification (2022)

Description:
This PhD course addresses the theory of sampling, sample preparation and state-of-the-art analytical techniques to analyze microplastics in environmental matrices. Furthermore, you will be provided expert insights into various aspects of interdisciplinary microplastic research.

The course will start with the principles of techniques for sampling of microplastics and with the principles of clean-up 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 quantification. 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 commonly 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 be taught how it works 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.

Organizer: Claudia Lorenz, Fan Liu, Alvise Vianello, Jes Vollertsen

Lecturers: TBA

ECTS: 3.0

Time: Several lectures in October-November 2022

Place: Online

Number of seats: 50

Deadline: TBA

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 3.000 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 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.