Looking beyond the polymer: Characterisation of Microplastics by Thermal Desorption GC/MS

As more legislation increases the requirements of routine environmental testing and emerging pollutants are found which may have detrimental effects on our health and environment, it is crucial to make the most efficient use of the instrumentation you have to meet legislative requirements and ensure the safety of our environment.

Microplastic fibres and particles, their environmental impact and their potential threat to human health are an increasing concern in many countries. The ability to characterize and quantify this class of compound is a challenge many laboratories are investigating as the extent of the pollution becomes more clear.

Agilent have partnered with researchers, analytical laboratories, public institutions and solution providers to provide workflows which help further the research into microplastic pollution and accumulation while working to address the requirements of future legislation.

This presentation will outline the capabilities of thermal desorption GC/MS (TD-GC/MS) to address the requirements of analytical labs who are aiming to test for microplastic particles in environmental matrices.

What you will learn?

• How to implement and operate a method for qualitative quantitative analysis of microplastic particles in a variety of matrices using Thermal Desorption and GC/MS

Who should attend?

• Environmental researchers aiming to improve their capability in detecting, characterising and assessing concentration of emerging plastic pollution.
• Environmental Analytical Chemists hoping to offer routine testing capability to meet latest market trends.

Presenter: Dr. Helen Martin (Thermal Desorption Business Manager, Markes International Ltd, UK)

Helen holds a Ph.D in analytical chemistry and specialises in the sampling and analysis of vapour-phase organic compounds from air, water, soil and materials. In her current role at Markes International she oversees the development of the companies range of thermal desorption instruments and their application to a wide range of analytical challenges in environmental monitoring, automotive and materials testing, clinical diagnostics, food safety and quality and defence and forensic analysis.