-
Written by Gianpaolo Rota, Application Specialist | 17 September 2022
Frequently Asked Questions on microplastic determination
DETERMINATION OF MICROPLASTIC CONTENT IN SEAFOOD AND IN IN BEACH SAND SAMPLES
The increasing use of plastics in our daily lives and in manufacturing processes often culminates in a slow degradation of the materials and the subsequent contamination of our environment and food chain.
Scientists define microplastics as plastic fragments less than 5 mm, or about 0.2 inches, in diameter. Nanoplastics are even smaller, with diameters less than 0.001 mm.
Recent studies demonstrated that the human ingestion of MPs is about 120 thousand particles annually, which comes from water, food or even air. Research in wildlife and animal models has linked micro- and nanoplastic exposure to infertility, inflammation and cancer, but health outcomes in people are currently under assessment, with effects mainly associated with the blockage of the digestive tract.
While regulators are trying to understand the extent and toxicity of the problem, researchers and analytical methods bodies are working towards standardized analytical solutions to best characterize these particles.
-
Frequently asked questions answered by two experts in the field, prof. Cezar A Bizzi of University of Santa Maria, and prof. Jacopo La Nasa, of the University of Pisa.
ETHOS UP
The ETHOS UP is a flexible and high performing
platform used for elemental analysis. Equipped
with easyTEMP contactless sensor, it directly
controls the temperature of all samples and
solutions, providing accurate temperature
feedback to ensure complete digestion in all
vessels and high safety. ETHOS UP works with
SK-15 rotor capable of high temperature (up to 300 °C) and pressure (up to 100 bar). The SK-15 also features Milestone’s patented “vent-and reseal” technology for controlling the internal
pressure of each vessel. This ensures complete,
safe and reproducible digestions of even the most
diffi cult samples.
ultraWAVE
The ultraWAVE, developed and patented by
Milestone, with Single Reaction Chamber (SRC) technology utilizes high-performance stainless steel, allowing to reach higher pressures and temperatures (up to 199 bar
and 300°C respectively) and to use any type of
acids. Disposable vessels eliminate the need
to assemble, disassemble or clean between
processing. Just as important, dissimilar samples
can be processed simultaneously using any
mixture of disposable glass, quartz or TFM vials, thus saving time and money. The ultraWAVE is simply the fastest, easiest and most efficient digestion system ever made.
Milestone™ Srl
Via Fatebenefratelli 1/5 - 24010 Sorisole (BG) - Italy
Phone: +39 035.573857 | Fax: +39 035.575498
Via Fatebenefratelli 1/5 - 24010 Sorisole (BG) - Italy
Phone: +39 035.573857 | Fax: +39 035.575498
Milestone™ Srl
Via Fatebenefratelli 1/5 - 24010 Sorisole (BG) - Italy
Phone: +39 035.573857 | Fax: +39 035.575498
Via Fatebenefratelli 1/5 - 24010 Sorisole (BG) - Italy
Phone: +39 035.573857 | Fax: +39 035.575498