Rubber particles with py-GC/MS, typical wastewater samples

Measurement of microplastic concentrations in water samples with relatively high particulate loads (e.g., wastewater, natural waters) with the TED-GC-MS method. Sample pretreatment is performed in accordance with ISO/WD 16094-4, and the analysis itself follows ISO 16094-3. The analysis includes the determination of five common polymer species (e.g., PE, PP, PS, ABS, PET), with the results reported in µg/L. If the goal is to analyze a larger number of polymers, py-GC/MS is the preferred thermoanalytical method; see microplastics in wastewater with py-GC/MS for more details.

Determination of microplastics in water samples with higher particulate loads using microspectroscopic methods. Generally, µFTIR is the preferred method for these matrices. The results will specify different types of polymers by size, for example, 10–50 µm, 50–100 µm, 100–500 µm, and >500 µm, as shown in this example report. This analysis is suitable for water samples with relatively high particulate loads, such as typical wastewater and environmental/natural waters. The analysis can be adapted to special water matrices (process water, industrial water, samples with very high particle loads or fibers, etc.), but this may incur extra costs.

Determination of microplastic content in clean water samples with vibrational spectroscopy methods. The analytical report will list different types of polymers detected and their distribution by size. There are two options for how the analysis can be conducted: Analysis with µFTIR spectroscopy according to ISO/DIS 16094-2 (capable of detecting particles from 10 µm to 5,000 µm), µRaman spectroscopy method (capable of detecting particles from 1 μm to 5,000 µm). Please let us know the preferred approach when requesting an offer. The method applies to water with low particle load, such as clean drinking water or ultrapure water, as it does not include digestion pre-treatment. Please note that natural or environmental water samples are usually not suitable for this method due to the possible presence of higher amounts of solid particles. See microplastic analysis of natural water or wastewater instead, or just request a quote from our experts.

Measurement to determine ten common plastic types (PE, PP, PS, ABS, PVC, PET, PC, PMMA, PA6, PA66) and Rubber particles (BR, NR, SBR) with pyrolysis-GC/MS. In the method, microplastics are separated from the sample and reported in µg/l of individual polymer types and as a sum of all particles. An illustrative example is provided in our example report for microplastic analysis of water using pyrolysis–GC/MS. This product is suitable only for clean water samples. If you need testing for other sample types, see microplastics in typical wastewater samples and soil, sediment, or sludge.

This metal screening analysis includes the semi-quantitative determination of 70 elements. The method can be used, for example, to determine the background concentrations of metals in environmental samples or to study the elemental distribution of unknown samples. Screening is also often performed to assess which metals should be analyzed by a quantitative method. The measurement is performed using a high-resolution ICP-MS technique (ICP-SFMS), which can identify very low elemental concentrations. A semi-quantitative determination of the following elements is included: Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Hg, Ho, I, Ir, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, Os, P, Pb, Pd, Pr, Pt, Rb, Re, Rh, Ru, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn and Zr. However, please note that some elements may not be determinable due to matrix interference. During this semi-quantitative analysis, the instrument is calibrated for about 30 elements. The rest of the analytes are quantified using sensitivity factors for calibrated elements with similar mass and first ionization potential, considering isotope abundances. Quantitative analysis is also available at an additional price. During this analysis, all elements are calibrated (excluding halogens and Os). Please ask for an offer for this service.

In the OECD 306 seawater biodegradability test, the test substance is dissolved or dispersed in collected seawater and incubated under aerobic conditions at 15–20°C for up to 60 days. Two methods are available: The shake-flask method tracks ultimate degradation by repeated DOC measurements over time., The closed-bottle method monitors dissolved oxygen consumption at defined intervals (e.g., days 0, 5, 15, and 28).. Results are presented as time-course degradation curves showing lag phase, slope, and t50. For the shake flask method, the biodegradation percentage is typically reported at 60 days, and for the closed bottle method at 28 days. Data are compiled on standardized sheets with validity checks. OECD 306 is recognised under REACH as a ready biodegradability test method alongside OECD 301 and 310, and data can be submitted in REACH registration dossiers to fulfil information requirements on environmental fate. The method is also listed as an accepted biodegradability test under the REACH microplastics restriction (Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, Appendix 15) and EU Ecolabel criteria for lubricants.

EN 15051-2 standard specifies the measurement of dustiness of powders and bulk materials according to the rotating drum method. It is a widely accepted procedure designed to simulate the handling processes that can generate airborne dust. The material dust, generated by the rotation of the drum, is separated into three different fractions. Inhalable, thoracic, and respirable dustiness mass fractions (in mg/kg and in %, if required) are reported. The inhalable fraction of dustiness is the fraction of particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 100 µm., The thoracic fraction of dustiness is the fraction of particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 µm., The respirable fraction of dustiness is the fraction of particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 4.25 µm.. Along with the fractions of the airborne particles, the dustiness potential (very low, low, moderate, or high), the density, and the moisture content of the sample are also reported. See this example report for more details.

Determination of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen content of an organic sample. CHNS analysis (”LECO analysis”) is performed using a flash combustion method, where the sample is combusted under 25 kPa of O2 at an elevated temperature (1,000 °C), followed by gas chromatography separation and detection using a thermal conductivity detector. Oxygen is analyzed by reduction on granulated carbon at 1480 °C, utilizing high-temperature thermal decomposition and conversion of oxygen into carbon monoxide before gas chromatography separation and detection with a thermal conductivity detector. The sample can be either solid or liquid, but water in the sample affects the results. In the case of aqueous samples, it is possible to dry the sample before analysis. The displayed price includes the full CHNOS package with two parallel measurements and applies to conventional organic samples. The results are reported as wt-% of the initial sample. The addition of ash, drying, and dry loss measurements will increase the minimum required sample material to 300 mg. The analysis gives the total carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen content of the material, but it does not identify any chemical structures. The measurement can be combined with other methods, such as GC-MS, 1H, and 13C NMR, to perform substance structure identification. Analysis can be split into the following packages: CHN, O, and S.

Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (py-GC-MS) analysis to determine the identity of an unknown polymer sample. During the measurement, the sample is instantaneously heated in an inert atmosphere or vacuum. This causes the sample to decompose into smaller molecular fragments, which are then analyzed with GC-MS. Different types of polymers can be identified by their unique decomposition products. This includes, but is not limited to: PE, PP, PS, ABS, PMMA, PET, PC, PVC, polyamides, natural & synthetic rubbers, and more. The price includes the basic preparation and qualitative analysis of the sample. More extensive sample preparation and quantitative analyses are subject to additional costs.

We offer several accredited methods for determining the total fluorine (TF) content of combustible materials: EN 14582, based on combustion ion chromatography (CIC). The method is recommended by the Nordic Council of Ministers as a quick and powerful total fluorine screening technique., EN 15408 using oxygen bomb combustion treatment followed by ion chromatography (IC). This method can be applied to plastic sheets and granules, and it is also possible to determine the total content of S, Cl, and Br., ASTM D7359-23, based on oxidative pyrohydrolytic combustion, followed by CIC.. The most suitable method is typically selected based on the sample matrix. However, please let us know if you wish a specific standard to be followed. Sample preparation (air drying and milling of the sample to particles <1 mm) is included in the displayed price. This analysis is commonly used to evaluate packaging materials' compliance with the PFAS restriction outlined in the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). If TF content does not exceed 50 mg/kg (ppm), the material can be considered compliant without further testing.