Microplastic Research – Analytical Methods for Microplastic Quantification - Online (2024)

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