Week 9: New Week New Findings

Zhang, S., Yang, X., Gertsen, H., Peters, P., Salánki, T., & Geissen, V. (2018). A simple method for the extraction and identification of light density microplastics from soil. Science Of The Total Environment, 616/6171056-1065. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.213

       I came across a new article which discussed a simple and affordable method for extracting microplastics from sediments. I was geeking out about it because it was published this month and the methods and procedures were similar to the ones I am using for my research.I received more insight on how certain properties of the soil and flotation mediums (solutions) could cause the plastics to absorbed into soil particles! I realize this may sound super boring to some of you, but I got excited because I was able to alter some of my methods and make them more efficient. I began weighing 30 specimen containers this week after altering my methods, I will use these containers to collect the extracted microplastics. I was originally going to use a funnel to separate the sediment from the plastics but Matt and I were looking over the article; they used filter paper but we felt that would be less efficient. We decided to retrieve the floating plastics from the surface by simply pouring off the top layer and tampering with the sediment so we can get more to float up. I am also looking into their use of ultrasonic vibrations.

One Down, Two to Go.

Specimen containers #6-#10; containing plastic #2 

(High-density Polyethylene)

My first trial has begun! On Thursday, I was able to set up my first 30 containers using solution 1: distilled water.  I will have to let the microplastics, solution, and sediments sit together in their containers for a week before I can begin the extraction process. I will be running these through a funnel and a water vacuum to isolate as many of the microplastics as possible. In the meantime, I will still have to shred more plastics for my two upcoming trials.

WEEK 7: Trial One Will Commence Soon

Microplastics shredded using
a grater. 

Microplastics taken from
 vacuum filter 

   I continued to shred plastics this week. The vacuum that was used to collect the microplastics ended up picking up unwanted stuff, so I spent the majority of my time tweezing out small particles of unknown material that were mixed in with the microplastics.  I have shredded a total of 2.4 grams of polyethylene terephthalate, which sounds like a small amount but it will be more than enough to commence my first microplastic extraction trial. From this point on I will be using a grater to shred the plastics because it eliminates the need to spend hours taking out particles of unwanted material and requires less energy.