Using castor oil to separate microplastics from four different environmental matrices

Abstract

An affordable, low-risk and quick method for the separation of microplastics from four environmental matrices based on castor oil.

Developing a systematic method for extraction of microplastics in soils

“…[13][14][15] Alternatively, oil extraction methods have been developed, which use a combination of low density oil and the oleophilic property of plastic to accumulate microplastics in a layer of oil above an aqueous solution. 16,17 Additional techniques such as ultrasonication 18,19 and centrifugation 15 may also be used to enhance these extractions.…”

A methodological approach of the current literature on microplastic contamination in terrestrial environments: Current knowledge and baseline considerations

“…Moreover, the application of the Fenton reagent as described by Hurley et al (2018) generates an exothermic reaction, potentially damaging MPs. Mani et al (2019) developed a method using castor oil as an alternative for a safe, environmentally friendly, fast and costefficient MP isolation. According to Mani et al (2019), soil samples were placed in a separatory funnel, 100 ml of distilled water was added, and were shaken by hand for 30 s. Then 10 ml of castor oil was added and allowed to stand for 15 min.…”

“…Mani et al (2019) developed a method using castor oil as an alternative for a safe, environmentally friendly, fast and costefficient MP isolation. According to Mani et al (2019), soil samples were placed in a separatory funnel, 100 ml of distilled water was added, and were shaken by hand for 30 s. Then 10 ml of castor oil was added and allowed to stand for 15 min. The irrelevant part of the matrix was significantly reduced (95 ± 4%), along with highly efficient polymer recovery.…”

Investigating microplastic dynamics in soils: Orientation for sampling strategies and sample pre‐procession

“…The method was tested with recovery rates of 99 ± 4% for PP, PS, PMMA, and PET, but samples with a high content of organic material require additional treatment for organic matter decomposition (Mani, Frehland, Kalberer, & Burkhardt-Holm, 2019) (Imhof, Schmid, Niessner, Ivleva, & Laforsch, 2012) or the Sediment-Microplastic-Isolation (SMI) unit (Coppock, Cole, Lindeque, Queirós, & Galloway, 2017) enable the separation of the floating microplastic particles from the sunk soil particles.…”