Best Practice for LDIR Analysis of Microplastics: A Case Study from the Japan Trench

Microplastic pollution is emerging as a critical environmental issue, and studies have found its presence in the highest mountains and deepest seas. To better understand the spread and impact of microplastics, reliable and accurate analysis is required, from sample collection to preparation and, finally, analysis and reporting.

Our speaker, Dr. Shuhei Tanaka, will explore the following topics while using a recent study of samples collected from the 8km deep Japan Trench:

• Optimizing sample preparation in sediments using hydrogen peroxide digestions and density separation techniques.
• How to conduct recovery testing as a means of improving accuracy
• Using complimentary techniques such as Pyrolysis coupled with GC/MS for analysis of nanoplastics

Key Learning Objectives:

• Optimizing sample preparation
• Suitability of LDIR for Microplastics analysis
• Complimentary techniques for nano plastics analysis

Who Should Attend:

• Laboratory managers
• Microplastics researchers
• Principal investigators
• Post Doctoral researchers
• Microplastics analysts from commercial, QA, or research labs 

Presenter: Dr. Shuhei Tanaka (Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto, Japan)

Presenter: Kelly McSweeney (Contributing Editor, C&EN Media Group)