Characterization and Analysis of Microplastics

Chapter 1. Microplastics – Occurrence, Fate and Behaviour in the Environment

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Fate of Microplastics in the Environment
• 3. Behaviour and Effects of Microplastics
• 4. Methodologies Used for the Identification and Characterization of Microplastics
• 5. Key Challenges and Road Map for Further Research

Chapter 2. Microplastics Sampling and Sample Handling

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Sampling
• 3. Samples Handling
• 4. Water Sampling Using Plankton Tow Nets
• 5. Ice and Snow
• 6. Food Resources
• 7. Microbiota of the ‘Plastisphere’
• 8. Sampling Microplastics From Beaches
• 9. Sediment Traps for Microplastic Sampling From the Water Column
• 10. Deep-Sea Sediments
• 11. Conclusion

Chapter 3. Morphological and Physical Characterization of Microplastics

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Size and Shape
• 3. Colour
• 4. Density
• 5. Concluding Remarks

Chapter 4. Characterization and Quantification of Microplastics by Infrared Spectroscopy

• 1. Introduction to Infrared Spectroscopy of Microplastics
• 2. Mid-Infrared
• 3. Near-Infrared
• 4. Applications of FT-MIR Spectroscopy

Chapter 5. Characterization of Microplastics by Raman Spectroscopy

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Raman Spectroscopy Basics
• 3. Advantages and Limitations of Raman Spectroscopy
• 4. State-of-the-Art
• 5. Final Remarks and Future Outlook

Chapter 6. Application of Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS)

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Sample Preparation
• 3. Equipment Operation
• 4. Microplastics Characterization
• 5. Final Considerations

Chapter 7. Application of Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS)

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry to the Analysis of Microplastics
• 3. Conclusion

Chapter 8. Advanced Analytical Techniques for Assessing the Chemical Compounds Related to Microplastics

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Plastic Additives
• 3. Environmental Organic Contaminants Sorbed to Microplastics
• 4. Extraction of Organic Compounds From Microplastics
• 5. CleanUp – Purification and Separation of the Compounds
• 6. Identification and Quantitation Techniques
• 7. Conclusion

Chapter 9. The Role of Laboratory Experiments in the Validation of Field Data

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Microplastics Used in Laboratory Experiments
• 3. Typical Experimental Designs for Testing Effects of Microplastics
• 4. Toxicological Impacts of Microplastic Exposures
• 5. Conclusion and Future Research Needs