AppNote 232: Identification of Microplastics in Water by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

App Note 232/2022

Micro- and nano plastics pollution in oceans, lakes and other water sources is an ongoing and well-documented issue. Sources and entryways of these plastics include greywater, surface runoff, and litter. Greywater is defined as the relatively clean wastewater from sources such as baths, sinks, washing machines, and dishwashers. The very small plastic particle size precludes efficient removal during the wastewater treatment process. As a result, fish and other aquatic life ingest the plastics, which introduces them into the food chain and causes possible adverse effects. This work will show the identification of plastics in various water sources after filtration followed by analysis by the GERSTEL pyrolyzer in combination with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.