Characterization and quantitation of polyolefin microplastics in personal-care products using high-temperature gel-permeation chromatography

Abstract

In recent years, the development of reliable methods for the quantitation of microplastics in different samples, including evaluating the particles' adverse effects in the marine environment, has become a great concern. Because polyolefins are the most prevalent type of polymer in personal-care products containing microplastics, this study presents a novel approach for their quantitation. The method is suitable for aqueous and hydrocarbon-based products, and includes a rapid sample clean-up involving twofold density separation and a subsequent quantitation with high-temperature gel-permeation chromatography. In contrast with previous procedures, both errors caused by weighing after insufficient separation of plastics and matrix and time-consuming visual sorting are avoided. In addition to reliable quantitative results, in this investigation a comprehensive characterization of the polymer particles isolated from the product matrix, covering size, shape, molecular weight distribution and stabilization, is provided. Results for seven different personal-care products are presented. Recoveries of this method were in the range of 92-96 %.

Sampling, isolating and identifying microplastics ingested by fish and invertebrates

“…154 Alternate analytical methods include: high temperature gel-permeation chromatography (HT-GPC) with IR detection; SEM-EDS and thermoextraction; and, desorption coupled with GC/MS. 150,155,156 If coupled with microscopy, FTIR and Raman can be used to identify microplastics with a size >20 mm. 123,149 Raman spectroscopy combined with microscopy has a higher resolution (approx.…”

Emergence of Nanoplastic in the Environment and Possible Impact on Human Health

“…34 Plastic particles are also deliberately added to personal care products. 35 A threat that has thus far been underestimated is the impact of microplastics in soils, sediments, and freshwater on the terrestrial ecosystem. 36 Research has only recently begun in this direction, as an estimated 80% of microplastic pollution in the oceans originates from land.…”

Identification of microplastics by FTIR and Raman microscopy: a novel silicon filter substrate opens the important spectral range below 1300 cm−1 for FTIR transmission measurements

“…These mainly fragmented particles as well as residues of washed out cloth fibers are counted among secondary microplastics. Together with so-called primary microplastics, which are produced as industrial raw pellets or as small-sized particles for the use in, e.g., cosmetic products [16][17][18] and washing and cleaning agents, a broad spectrum of differently shaped microplastics (fibers, fragmented particles, spherical granulates, etc.) can enter the environment.…”