Qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastics in environmental samples by pyrolysis-GC/MS
In recent years, identification and quantitation using pyrolysis-GC MS (Py-GC/MS) have been considered to evaluate the chemical properties of microplastics.
Py-GC/MS analysis eliminates the need for cumbersome pre-processing to separate only microplastics from environmental samples. Here, we present a case in which we conducted qualitative and simple quantitative analysis of microplastics individually without taking them out one by one in the roadside debris where sand and soil were mixed.
An MP calibration reference sample containing the 12 types of plastic with the highest global production quantities (MPs CaCO3 from Frontier Laboratories Ltd.) was used as a standard sample for qualitative and quantitative analysis.
F-Search MPs (from Frontier Laboratories Ltd.) supports easy identification and quantitation of unknown microplastics in the environment. Calibration curves were created for each of the 12 types of plastic and samples were quantified.
For the plastics with a 90 % or over similarity, quantitation values and their percent content were calculated based on the calibration curves created. PE is the highest percent rate. It is assumed originated from container packaging materials, agricultural films, and other materials based. SBR is second, and used in the tire tread (the part in direct contact with the ground), and presumably derive from tire wear.
Py-GC-MS and F-Search MPs software enable qualitative and quantitative analysis of multiple microplastics in environmental samples individually.
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Pyrolysis-GC/MS
Pyrolysis-GC/MS (Py-GC/MS) enables individual qualitative and quantitative determination of multiple resins without the need for cumbersome pre-treatment to remove microplastics one by one.