Microplastic extraction protocols can impact the polymer structure

Abstract Although microplastics are ubiquitous in today’s natural environments, our understanding of the materials, quantities, and particle sizes involved remains limited. The recovery from different types environmental matrices requires standardized matrix digestion protocols that allow inter-laboratory comparisons have no effect on polymers themselves. A number commonly used methods rely oxidation with concentrated hydrogen peroxide solutions to remove organic matter matrix. However, this can alter nature through hydrolysis often does not lead a complete removal. We therefore investigated use two altered protocols, an acidic (Fenton) protocol new alkaline (Basic Piranha) protocol, focusing mainly biodegradable (polylactide, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, succinate) known degradation pathways via (thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyamide). Comparing initial surface textures, chemical compositions, size distributions those obtained after revealed Fenton left most unchanged. ferrous residue following had either polymer composition or distribution, but could disturb further analytics (e.g. Raman microscopy due auto-fluorescence). While increasing chance removal, more powerful Basic Piranha is also likely affect properties: Polylactide particular showed signs under (reduced polylactide content, holes matrix), indicating unsuitability specific case. Polyamide, however, remained stable during treatment, chemistry, as well molar mass distribution thermoplastic polyurethanes were affected. Hence, offers alternative for microplastic analysis focus complex removal cellulose soil), while avoiding residue. Unexpectedly, tire rubber, frequent target analyte monitoring, was found be susceptible artefact structures by both protocols. In summary, controls combination sample preparation highly recommended select fitting protocol. Here selected suitable combinations reported.