Enzymatic Purification of Microplastics in Environmental Samples

Micro-Fourier transform infrared (micro-FTIR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy enable the reliable identification and quantification of microplastics (MPs) in the lower micron range. Since concentrations of MPs in the environment are usually low, the large sample volumes required for these techniques lead to an excess of coenriched organic or inorganic materials. While inorganic materials can be separated from MPs using density separation, the organic fraction impedes the ability to conduct reliable analyses. Hence, the purification of MPs from organic materials is crucial prior to conducting an identification via spectroscopic techniques. Strong acidic or alkaline treatments bear the danger of degrading…

• BF
  Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

  Awards: 03F0734A, 03F0631A
• AW
  Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research