An analytical computed microtomography methodology for identification of microplastic fragments in aqueous media

Abstract

The impact of microplastics (MPs) on the environment is a major concern that affects not only marine life but also the entire ecosystem. MPs are defined as tiny artificial polymer‐based particles, measuring less than 5 mm in length. The impact of these compounds on human health concerns the metabolic alterations, reproductive disorders, neurological disorders, and hormone‐dependent tumors. Due to the problems involved in the improper disposal of this material in nature (in beaches, rivers, lakes, ponds, and oceans), and also, all the risks of MPs both for the ecosystem and for all beings alive, it became extremely important to develop a methodology that makes it possible to quantify this material when present in aqueous media. Therefore, the aim of this study is to present a methodology developed in the laboratory to quantify MP fragments present in an aqueous media. For this, phantoms were developed with plastic fragments from 0.18 to 0.71 mm, in diameter, which were later analyzed using the computed microtomography technique (microCT). The microCT is a non‐invasive imaging technique that uses X‐rays to produce detailed 3D images of the internal structure of an object. The results showed a good contrast pattern, and the quantitative analysis represented satisfactory results for all samples, with relative error below 20%.