How Important is the Matrix when Analyzing Microplastics by PY-GCMS?Analyzing Microplastics in the Environment
Oral Presentation
Presented by A. Owens
Prepared by R. Marfil-Vega1, R. Belganeh2
1 - Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, 10330 Old Columbia Rd, Columbia, MD, 21046, United States
2 - Frontier Labs Americas, , , United States
Contact Information: [email protected]; 240-444-0963
ABSTRACT
Pyrolysis GCMS (PY-GCMS) is a proven technique for analyzing microplastics (MP), with increasing implementation for the routine analysis of these contaminants across different types of laboratories. Unlike other methods for microplastics analysis which require extensive sample preparation, PY-GCMS allows for the direct thermal decomposition of complex polymers. But is still the matrix relevant for the overall performance of this analytical method?
This study systematically evaluated the performance of the Shimadzu GCMS-QP2020NX coupled to a Frontier multi-shot Py-3030D pyrolyzer for the analysis of various types of environmental matrices with varied content of organic and/or particulate matter (e.g. drinking water, surface water…). Data collection was based on a previously validated PY-GCMS method using a MPs-CaCO3 standard containing 12 polymers; in the standard, the percentage of each polymer was different. LLOQs ranged for all polymers ranged from 0.1 and 7.3 µg (based on the analysis of 0.2 mg of the mixed solid standard).
In this presentation we will share the detailed results from this study, including the performance comparison of PY-GCMS for the analysis of the selected samples, and the lessons learned about the impact of the matrix.
