An optimized density-based approach for extracting microplastics from soil and sediment samples

Han, Xue; Lu, Xueqiang; Vogt, Rolf D.

doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113009

Cited by 154 publications

(75 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…This could only be assessed by characterizing soil organic matter fractions from soil databases dating back to times before the introduction of today's consumer plastics. Based on these findings, further efforts should be made to reduce interferences from specific soil constituents, for instance by using an advanced flotation and filtration apparatus (Han et al, 2019), selective enzymes (Löder et al, 2017), dispersive solid phase extraction, or on-line transesterification and evaporation of lipid-like substances with BF 3 or trimethylsulfonium hydroxide prior pyrolysis. Moreover, further research will need to test alternative solvent mixtures to extend the applicability of our Py-GC/MS approach to a wider range of polymer types.…”

Section: Matrix Interferencesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A simple method for the selective quantification of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene plastic debris in soil by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Steinmetz

Kintzi

Muñoz

et al. 2019

Preprint

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The lack of adequate analytical methods for the quantification of plastic debris in soil challenges a better understanding of their occurrence and fate in the terrestrial environment. With this proof-of-principle study, we developed a simple and fast method for the selective quantification of the three most environmentally relevant polymers polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) in soil using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). In order to facilitate the preparation of calibration series and to better account for the heterogeneity of soil matrix, polymers were dissolved in 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) at 120 °C. Thereby, liquid sample aliquots from up to 4 g of solid sample became amenable to pyrolysis without further preparation. To evaluate the performance of this approach, three reference soils with 1.73–5.16 % organic carbon (Corg) were spiked at 50 and 250 μg g−1 of each polymer and extracted with TCB. A prior cleanup step with methanol, flocculation with KAl(SO4)2, and Fenton digestion were tested for their suitability to reduce potentially interfering Corg. Calibration curves responded linearly (adj. R2 > 0.996) with instrumental detection limits of 1–86 ng corresponding to method detection limits of 1–86 μg g−1. The measurement repeatability was 3.2–7.2 % relative standard deviation. Recoveries of 70–128 % were achieved for plastic contents of 250 μg g−1 extracted with TCB without prior cleanup from soils with less than 2.5 % Corg. A higher Corg particularly interfered with the quantification of PE. The addition of non-target polymers (polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, poly(methyl methacrylate), and tire wear particles) did not interfere with the quantification of the analytes highlighting the selectivity of the method. Further research is needed to determine low plastic contents in soils exceeding 2.5 % Corg. With 1–3 h processing time per sample, our method has the potential for routine analyses and screening studies of agricultural systems to be complemented with microspectroscopic techniques for additional information on particle shapes and sizes.

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Section: Matrix Interferencesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A simple method for the selective quantification of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene plastic debris in soil by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Steinmetz

Kintzi

Muñoz

et al. 2019

Preprint

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“…Saturated NaCl solution is commonly used to separate MPs from a variety of environmental matrices; however, it fails to separate PET or PVC, which have a higher density than saturated NaCl solution. From the perspective of economic cost as well as extraction efficiency, Han et al 36 ( Table 2) recommended the use of a 1:1 mixture of saturated solutions of NaCl and NaI for optimal flotation. Given the environmental hazard of NaI, especially its embryo-toxicity to aquatic organisms, Liu et al 37 (Table 2) suggested the use of NaBr solution to extract MPs in soils, because NaBr is a safe, non-corrosive and inexpensive reagent for sediment separation.…”

Section: Analytical Methods For Microplastics In Soilsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastics in soils: a review of possible sources, analytical methods and ecological impacts

Zhang

Yang

Chen

et al. 2020

J of Chemical Tech & Biotech

162

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Microplastics are emerging persistent pollutants that have been extensively detected in aqueous environments. Yet, scientists have little knowledge of microplastic pollution in soils. This study reviewed over 60 articles, with the following objectives: (i) to discuss sources and the global distribution of microplastics in soils; (ii) to evaluate current extraction techniques and analytical methods for microplastics in soils; and (iii) to comprehensively assess their adverse impacts on soils and soil organisms. Moreover, this review highlights the lack of research into microplastic contamination in soils as a significant knowledge gap. Research into the fate, sources and analytical techniques of soil microplastics and the interactions between soil organisms, soils and microplastics is essential in order to underpin management decisions aimed at safeguarding the ecological integrity of our soils.

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“…Most of the studies are structured very similarly using mechanical agitation within a salt solution for the detachment and density separation of MP. In two cases a foregoing and in six cases a subsequent additional oxidation of soil organic matter with H2O2 or other oxidants was applied, followed by lightmicroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy (LM+FTIR) for particle counting and identification of MP (Liu et al, 2018;Zhang and Liu, 2018;Han et al, 2019;Lv et al, 2019;Zhou et al, 2019;Chen et al, 2020;Ding et al, 2020;Huang et al, 2020;Zhang et al, 2020;Zhou et al, 2020). The 11 studies showed a median MP particle number of 1076 items kg -1 with a 25 % quantile of 78 items kg -1 , a 75 % quantile of 2500 items kg -1 and a maximum of 690000 items kg -1 .…”

Section: East Asiamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Throughout the Chinese studies, four contained data on soils without statements on the origin of MP (NA). These samplings comprised very different sites such as the Nankai University campus in Tianjin (Han et al, 2019), horticultures in the vicinity of Wuhan municipal area (Chen et al, 2020), an afforested rural area near Kunming (Zhang and Liu, 2018) and both a rural horticulture and a orchard on the loess plateau . These sites contained 118±190 items kg -1 and 0.3±0.4 mg kg -1 (n=3) in rural areas as well as 1142 items kg -1 (n=10, 25 %: 938 items kg -1 , 75 %: 4423 items kg -1 ) in municipal areas.…”

Section: East Asiamentioning

confidence: 99%

Global concentrations of microplastic in soils, a review

Büks

Kaupenjohann

2020

Preprint

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Abstract. Worldwide, microplastic (MP) has been commonly recognized as a threat for soil ecosystems. Terrestrial soils are widely contaminated by MP due to the application of sewage sludge and wastewater, plastic mulching, littering, the input of tire wear from roads and atmospheric deposition. Within the last decade, an increasing number of individual studies focused on item counts and masses of MP in different global soil environments. We reviewed these studies to achieve a representative picture of common degrees of contamination. The majority of the prospected agricultural and horticultural sites was exposed to sewage sludge and mulching film application and showed concentrations of

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An optimized density-based approach for extracting microplastics from soil and sediment samples

Cited by 154 publications

References 28 publications

A simple method for the selective quantification of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene plastic debris in soil by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

A simple method for the selective quantification of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene plastic debris in soil by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Microplastics in soils: a review of possible sources, analytical methods and ecological impacts

Global concentrations of microplastic in soils, a review

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