It is estimated that more than 75% of the 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic produced over the last 65 years have turned into waste. Up to 13 million metric tons of this waste ends up in the ocean every year and recent calculations estimate that more than 5.25 trillion plastic particles float in the world’s oceans. Scientists have demonstrated the alarming environmental ubiquity and persistence of particulate plastic in aquatic ecosystems. Models predict that approximately 14% of the plastic debris in the ocean surface layer can be classified as so-called microplastics (often referred to as particles between 1 µm and 5 mm in size). These ingestible and potentially harmful particles have been formed by UV-induced, mechanical, or biological degradation of larger debris items. To verify the estimates and to meet upcoming regulatory measures (e.g., California Senate Bill 1422) and directives (MSFD, 2008/56/EC), accurate, time-efficient, and robust analytical workflows and techniques are required.
Single Cell and Microplastic Analysis by ICP-MS with Automated Micro-Flow Sample Introduction
April 25th 2024Single cell ICP-MS (scICP-MS) is increasingly seen as a powerful and fast tool for the measurement of elements in individual cells, mainly due to the high sensitivity and selectivity of ICP-MS. Analysis is performed in the same way as single nanoparticle (spICP-MS) analysis, which has become a well-established technique for the analysis of nanoparticles and particles.
Hot News on Agilent LDIR, New Developments, and Future Perspective
April 25th 2024Watch this video featuring Darren Robey and Dr. Wesam Alwan from Agilent Technologies to gain insights into the future trends shaping microplastics research and the challenges of their characterization. Discover the essential components necessary for accurate microplastics analysis and learn how the Agilent 8700 LDIR system addresses these challenges. Offering rapid and precise analysis capabilities, along with easy sample preparation methods that minimize contamination, the Agilent 8700 LDIR system is at the forefront of advancing microplastics research.
Accurate and robust analysis of challenging environmental samples for regulatory compliance
April 25th 2024This application note discusses how the adverse effects of sample matrix can be circumvented with an analytical workflow that includes robust ICP-MS instrumentation offering comprehensive yet simplified analysis of samples containing high dissolved solids such as soil digests, wastewater and solid wastes. The data presented in this application note was generated over 12 hours with over 160 samples covering soil extracts and a variety of water samples.
Analysis of drinking water in compliance with EPA Method 200.8, Revision 5.4
April 25th 2024This application note describes the analytical workflow developed for the analysis of water samples over an extended period using the latest innovations in ICP-MS instrumentation. The innovations specifically highlighted in this app note are the next generation Argon Gas Dilution accessory, which simplifies the analysis of high matrix samples allowing direct analysis without prior manual diution; the HAWK consumables and maintenance assistant within the Qtegra ISDS software; the new Easy-click compact (ECC) peristaltic pump; and the new Thermo Scientific autosampler, the iSC-65 autosampler.