Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris

Katherine M. Martin; Elizabeth A. Hasenmueller; John R. White; Lisa G. Chambers; Jeremy L. Conkle

doi:10.3791/57969

Campionamento, ordinamento e caratterizzando microplastiche negli ambienti acquatici con carichi ...

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Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris

Campionamento, ordinamento e caratterizzando microplastiche negli ambienti acquatici con carichi di materiale solido in sospensione alta e grandi detriti galleggianti

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05:31 min

July 28, 2018

DOI: 10.3791/57969-v

Katherine M. Martin¹, Elizabeth A. Hasenmueller², John R. White³, Lisa G. Chambers⁴, Jeremy L. Conkle¹

¹Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences,Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, ²Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences,Saint Louis University, ³Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences,Louisiana State University, ⁴Department of Biology,University of Central Florida

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Overview

This protocol addresses the collection and analysis of microplastic samples from freshwater systems, which often contain high sediment loads. It enables researchers to quantify microplastic loads in rivers, a significant source of plastic debris to the ocean.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Environmental Science
Freshwater Ecology
Pollution Research

Background

Microplastic research has primarily focused on marine systems.
Freshwater systems may have high sediment loads and floating debris.
Understanding microplastic distribution in rivers is crucial for environmental health.
This study aims to fill the gap in knowledge regarding freshwater microplastics.

Purpose of Study

To develop a method for collecting microplastic samples from rivers.
To analyze the impact of high sediment loads on microplastic quantification.
To provide a standardized protocol for future research in freshwater environments.

Methods Used

Rinse filtration devices and nylon mesh sieves with deionized water.
Use decreasing mesh sizes in union joints to filter samples.
Seal joints tightly to prevent leaks during filtration.
Wet a mixed cellulose ester membrane filter with deionized water.

Main Results

The method allows for effective filtering of microplastics in high sediment environments.
Researchers can quantify microplastic loads at sizes not typically included in previous studies.
Results contribute to understanding the transport of plastics from rivers to oceans.
This technique enhances the accuracy of microplastic research in freshwater systems.

Conclusions

The developed protocol is effective for analyzing microplastics in freshwater systems.
It addresses the challenges posed by high sediment loads.
Future studies can utilize this method to further investigate freshwater microplastic pollution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5mm in size that can originate from larger plastic debris or be manufactured as microbeads.

Why is studying microplastics in freshwater important?

Freshwater systems are critical habitats that can accumulate microplastics, impacting aquatic life and potentially entering the food chain.

How does sediment load affect microplastic sampling?

High sediment loads can interfere with the filtration and quantification of microplastics, making specialized methods necessary for accurate analysis.

What is the significance of this study?

This study provides a standardized method for analyzing microplastics in freshwater systems, contributing to better understanding and management of plastic pollution.

Can this method be applied to other environments?

While designed for freshwater systems, the principles of this method may be adapted for use in other environments with similar challenges.

What are the next steps for research in this area?

Future research can utilize this method to explore microplastic distribution and impacts in various freshwater ecosystems.

Maggior parte della ricerca microplastic fino ad oggi si è verificato nei sistemi marini dove sono relativamente bassi livelli di solidi sospesi. Attenzione si sta ora spostando ai sistemi d'acqua dolce, che possono caratterizzato da carichi di alta sedimenti e detriti galleggianti. Questo protocollo risolve raccogliendo ed analizzando campioni di microplastic provenienti dagli ambienti acquatici che contengono carichi elevati di solidi sospesi.

Questo metodo aiuterà i ricercatori a quantificare i carichi di microplastica nei fiumi, che spesso contengono elevati carichi di sedimenti, poiché sono una delle principali fonti di detriti di plastica nell'oceano. Il vantaggio principale di questa tecnica è che consente il filtraggio e lo smistamento di microplastiche e campioni d'acqua con elevati carichi di sedimenti a dimensioni non tipicamente incluse in studi precedenti. Per iniziare, sciacquare tre volte il dispositivo di filtrazione e i setacci a rete di nylon con acqua deionizzata.

Quindi posizionare i setacci a rete in ciascun giunto di unione, con le dimensioni della colata che diminuiscono dall'alto verso il basso. Per evitare perdite, sigillare ermeticamente ogni giunto. Successivamente bagnare un filtro a membrana a base di estere di cellulosa misto con acqua deionizzata.

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