New ICP-MS resource guide now available

BLADE was used to digest various cosmetics products in preparation for analysis of As, Cd, Cr, Co, Pb, Hg, and Ni. Analysis was performed by ICP-OES.

The capability of the VeeMAX III with ATR to maximize sensitivity by using the accessory’s variable angle feature and a low RI ATR material, ZnS, is investigated.

The automated Agilent 8700 LDIR chemical imaging system lets you obtain high-quality images and spectral data faster than ever before. So, you can perform confident large-scale microplastics studies and monitoring activities.

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.

Plastic pollution has become a high-priority area of study in recent years due to the increasing prevalence of plastics in the environment. Currently, researchers have a limited understanding of the impact of plastic pollution on human health, how it affects wildlife and their habitats, and its long-term effects on the environment. An important step in overcoming this pressing global environmental issue is the advancement of research relating to the identification of plastic waste and microplastic particles.

During the invention, development, and early production phases of synthetic plastics, only small quantities were produced, and dealing with waste-plastic was relatively controllable. Over the last few decades, however, plastic production has been growing faster than the production of any other materials. Nowadays, an estimated 400 million tons of plastic waste is produced every year, and a large portion of this waste ends up in the natural environment.