Microplastics are defined by NOAA as common plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, and polystyrene, that measure smaller than 5mm in size. While there is no universally defined lower size limit for microplastics, NOAA protocols specify microplastics as less than 5 mm and greater than 305 μm, as determined by the size of filter and the sieve used. This protocol also defines microplastics as those that are resistant to peroxide oxidation and float in solutions with a density of 1.2-1.6 g/mL. Most microplastics found in marine environments originate from larger objects, including clothing, packing supplies, water bottles, and beauty products, that continuously degrade to form smaller fragments. Organisms can then confuse them with normal food sources and consume the plastics, leading them to feel falsely full and starve. This work analyzes microplastics present in water and marine beds within Budd Inlet, located in South Puget Sound in Washington State, by applying NOAA protocols. Following the protocols, samples were subjected to an initial density separation, followed by a peroxide oxidation, and a subsequential density separation. While the NOAA protocol calls for analyzing microplastics using a 5mm mesh and approximately 300 μm mesh, three different sized sieves were used in this experiment; a 105 μm sieve was used alongside these to analyze the applicability of the procedure toward smaller microplastics. The impact of specific liquids for the density separations in this process was also explored and will be presented.

Analysis of microplastics in marine waters and beaches in Budd Inlet, WA

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.