We offer accredited analysis for several matrices and polymer types with FTIR microscopy and Pyrolysis-GCMS

Contact: 

Dr. Bordós Gábor
+36203358627
gabor.bordos@etcee.eurofins.com
microplastic@etcee.eurofins.com

Accredited analysis for several matrices and polymer types with both techniques

We provide you accredited analysis with both µFTIR and PYR-GCMS for a wide range of matrices. These two techniques are complementary, their parallel use can provide you the most information on MPs in the samples.

Our FTIR microscopes, also referred to as µFTIR systems are infrared spectroscopy imaging systems used at our laboratory in Budapest. These instruments makes it possible to count the microplastic particles in the samples, identify their material types, shapes and measure their sizes, down to a size of 10 μm. The imaging system enables to cover a large area during analysis. Our FTIR-ATR devices are suitable for examining larger pieces of waste, packaging materials and even surface contaminants. FTIR techniques are non-destructive, so the samples can be further investigated with other methods, e.g., PYR-GCMS.

Our PYR-GC-MS device, a pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry instrument enables us to identify the various polymer types and their total masses in the samples. One advantage of this method is that it operates without a lower limit regarding particle size so we can use it for the analysis of particles smaller than 10 μm as well. Although it does not enable us to obtain a particle count, but it provides exact information on the total mass of the particles. It also tackles those dark, black particles, that are not possible to be analysed by FTIR, e.g. tire and road wear particles (TRWP).

At Eurofins Environment Testing Hungary, we have led and participated in several national, regional and EU wide projects that helped us to gather experience and knowledge, develop appropriate sampling and analysis techniques for MPs.

As a result, on one hand our experts have released significant publications in high-impact journals and became a well-respected part of the scientific scene. On the other hand, these developments help us to provide adequate services to our customers: the development is continuous, further to R&D activities our experts are involved in the work of standardisation committees on this field to improve the framework of microplastics sampling and analysis generally.

What are microplastics?

Microplastics - plastic particles with a size range of 1 μm to 5 mm - are nowadays commonly found in various environmental elements. Microplastics can be classified as primary or secondary microplastics. This is based on whether the microscopic particles are manufactured (primary) or whether they are the result of environmentally occurring fragmentation processes (secondary).

Risks associated with microplastics

Microplastics, generated from different artificial polymers are poorly biodegradable in the environment, however through mechanical, chemical or UV-induced fragmentation they can enter several environmental compartments such as surface waters and soils. These persistent particles pose significant ecological and health concerns: can be ingested and accumulated by different organisms, possibly affecting human health and constituting an almost unimaginable risk to our future. Further to their physical occurrence their capability to accumulate and transport toxic chemicals and pathogens is considerable.

Sources and affected industries

There are numerous sources of microplastics because plastics are widely used in our everyday life and in different industries, so microplastic testing are relevant for a wide range of stakeholders, not only actors in the water and environmental industry, but the chemical-, food- and light industry as well.

The analysis of microplastics is particularly challenging. One reason is that no single automated method currently covers the entire size range with the information needed, such as particle numbers, size, morphology, mass and polymer type. All analysis need a proper sample preparation, a set of separation techniques to enrich and extract the microplastic particles, that varies depending on the sample matrix type.

Single Use Plastic (SUP) directive (EU 2019/904)

The aim of this Directive is to prevent and reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. Specifically, it means a ban on certain single-use products, that are wholly or partly made of plastic like ear buds and ballon sticks, cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers and food or liquid containers made of expanded polystyrene.

Restriction on primary microplastics in products under REACH regulation (EU 2023/2055)

The Regulation prohibits the placing on the market of synthetic polymer microparticles (SMP) when placed on the market on their own or in mixtures if they are present in a concentration of at least 0.01% by weight in the mixture (product).

Synthetic Polymer Microparticles (SMP):

• particles between 0,1 μm and 5 mm in all dimensions
• fibre-like particles between 0,3 μm and 15 mm in length

The regulation applies to:

• Rinse-off cosmetics by 17 October 2027;
• Detergent, waxes, polishes and air care products by 17 October 2028;
• Fertilising products by 17 October 2028;
• Other agricultural and horticultural products not covered by item (g) and (h) by 17 October 2028;
• Synthetic polymer microparticles for use in the encapsulation of fragrances by 17 October 2029;
• Medical devices by 17 October 2029;
• Leave-on cosmetics by 17 October 2029;
• Plant protection products, seeds and biocidal products by 17 October 2031;
• Granular infill for use on synthetic sports surfaces by 17 October 2031
• Lip products and make-up products by 17 October 2035

Drinking Water Directive (EU 2020/2184) and Commission Delegated Decision (EU) 2024/1441

The recast Drinking Water Directive (DWD) is tackling pollutants of concern, such microplastics. Microplastics should be monitored on a watch list between 2024-2029 to carry out a risk assessment.

Harmonised microplastic sampling & analysis under (EU) 2024/1441

• sampling with filter cascade:100; 20 µm + 100; 20 µm procedural blank
• 1000 L sample
• avoid subsampling
• Raman or FTIR, QCL-IR analysis (PYR not accepted)
• 10 priority polymers investigated
• report resuls per size categories
• fibres (min. 1:3 width-length ratio, max. 15 mm) and fragmens reported separately
• well defined QA/QC protocol

Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (EU EU 2024/3019)

The directive aims that Member States should take preventive measures to limit the risk that intentionally and unintentionally released microplastics reach urban wastewater and sludge.

• Microplastics should be systematically monitored when sludge is reused in agriculture
• Microplastics and relevant micropollutants should be monitored, where relevant, in storm water overflow discharges and in discharges of urban runoff from separate systems with a representative sampling programme allowing for concentration
• For all agglomerations of 10 000 p.e. and above, Member States shall ensure that competent authorities or appropriate bodies monitor, at the inlets and outlets of urban wastewater treatment plants, the concentration and loads … of microplastics.

Your benefit

Our microplastic laboratory is using not only released standards, but our experts are actively participating in standardisation initiatives, ensuring access to lates developments on the field.