Project Title
Optimization of the Extraction of Microplastics from Beach Sand
Disciplines
Environmental Chemistry
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Optimization of the NOAA method for extraction of microplastics from beach sand using a double extraction versus the original single extraction resulted in an increase from an average of 90/92% to 99/98% recovery of pristine/oxidized microbeads. The use of iron (II) in the oxidation along with peroxide provided no increase in oxidation of added pristine cotton. Repetitive oxidation is necessary but after 14 repetitions of oxidation, cotton was still present. Thus, as the cotton was added and not weathered from the environment, it was decided to stop at five oxidations. To clearly differentiate between cotton and microfibers, the use of a microscope is used rather than trying to oxidize it all away.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Chemistry and Biochemistry
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Marina Koether
Optimization of the Extraction of Microplastics from Beach Sand
Optimization of the NOAA method for extraction of microplastics from beach sand using a double extraction versus the original single extraction resulted in an increase from an average of 90/92% to 99/98% recovery of pristine/oxidized microbeads. The use of iron (II) in the oxidation along with peroxide provided no increase in oxidation of added pristine cotton. Repetitive oxidation is necessary but after 14 repetitions of oxidation, cotton was still present. Thus, as the cotton was added and not weathered from the environment, it was decided to stop at five oxidations. To clearly differentiate between cotton and microfibers, the use of a microscope is used rather than trying to oxidize it all away.