Presentation Profile
Identification of Microplastics in Water by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Currently Scheduled: 10/16/2024 - 10:40 AM
Room: South Lobby
Main Author
Kurt Thaxton - GERSTEL GmbH
- Jack Stuff - GERSTEL Inc.
- Jackie Whitecavage - GERSTEL Inc.
- Nicole Kfoury - GERSTEL Inc.
Abstract:
Micro- and nanoplastics pollution in oceans, lakes and other water sources is an on-going and well-documented issue. Sources of these plastics include grey water, surface runoff, and litter. Grey water 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.
