It is estimated that more than 75% of the 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic produced over the last 65 years have turned into waste. Up to 13 million metric tons of this waste ends up in the ocean every year and recent calculations estimate that more than 5.25 trillion plastic particles float in the world’s oceans. Scientists have demonstrated the alarming environmental ubiquity and persistence of particulate plastic in aquatic ecosystems. Models predict that approximately 14% of the plastic debris in the ocean surface layer can be classified as so-called microplastics (often referred to as particles between 1 µm and 5 mm in size). These ingestible and potentially harmful particles have been formed by UV-induced, mechanical, or biological degradation of larger debris items. To verify the estimates and to meet upcoming regulatory measures (e.g., California Senate Bill 1422) and directives (MSFD, 2008/56/EC), accurate, time-efficient, and robust analytical workflows and techniques are required.
Thermo Fisher Scientists Highlight the Latest Advances in Process Monitoring with Raman Spectroscopy
April 1st 2025In this exclusive Spectroscopy interview, John Richmond and Tom Dearing of Thermo Fisher Scientific discuss the company’s Raman technology and the latest trends for process monitoring across various applications.
A Seamless Trace Elemental Analysis Prescription for Quality Pharmaceuticals
March 31st 2025Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) are essential in pharmaceutical manufacturing to ensure compliance with standards like United States Pharmacopoeia <232> and ICH Q3D, as well as FDA regulations. Reliable and user-friendly testing solutions help QA/QC labs deliver precise trace elemental analyses while meeting throughput demands and data security requirements.