In a significant stride towards advancing microplastic (MP) research, a team led by Oskar Hagelskjær from Microplastic Solution in Castanet-Tolosan, France, has introduced a novel range of commercially available MP reference materials (RMs) named EasyMP. Published in the journal Nano Select (translated to English as “Nano Choice”), this study addresses a critical gap in the availability of environmentally relevant MP RMs, which are essential for accurate and reliable research in this rapidly expanding field.
The study focuses on two prevalent types of microplastics: fragments (ranging from 10 to 100 micrometers) and fibers (ranging from 50 to 1000 micrometers). These particles are suspended in a 95% ethanol solution at various concentrations. The research team evaluated the repeatability of ten EasyMP RM samples, finding that the relative standard deviation (RSD) of particle concentration was an impressive 10% for fragments and 9% for fibers. This high level of precision is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of MP research.
Moreover, the team assessed the consistency of particle size distribution within four individual subsamples. For fragments, the size-group specific RSD was consistently below 20% for particles grouped in 10-micrometer increments. For fibers, the RSD varied between 17% and 51% for particles grouped in 50-micrometer increments. “This level of detail and precision in our reference materials is a game-changer for the field,” said Hagelskjær. “It provides researchers with the tools they need to conduct more accurate and reliable studies on microplastics.”
The commercial availability of EasyMP RMs on www.microplastic.store offers a significant advantage for researchers and industries alike. These materials are customizable to meet user-specific requirements, addressing a long-standing need in MP research. “We believe that EasyMP will not only enhance the quality of research but also facilitate the development of standardized methods and protocols,” added Hagelskjær.
The implications of this research extend beyond the academic realm, particularly for the energy sector. Accurate measurement and analysis of microplastics are essential for understanding their impact on various industrial processes and environmental systems. With the introduction of EasyMP, industries can now access high-quality reference materials to ensure the precision and reliability of their analyses.
As the field of MP research continues to evolve, the availability of such reference materials will be instrumental in driving forward our understanding of microplastics and their effects on the environment. This study, published in Nano Select, marks a significant milestone in this journey, paving the way for more robust and reliable research in the future.