Intelligent microplastic analyses
We conduct microplastic analyses in all sample matrices, and are capable of detecting and identifying microplastics down to 1 µm in diameter. Combining automated microspectroscopic Raman analysis with our specialized computer vision-based post processing software, our data acquisition procedure decreases bias and enables the analysis of thousands of individual particles, leaving you with a comprehensive microplastic dataset.
Acquire microplastic data in four simple steps
Step 1: Consultation
To ensure the best results, we first discuss your sample and your expectations before providing you with a quote. This is an important step in ensuring high-quality microplastic data.
Step 2: Sample shipping
Following our first consultation, you post your raw sample to the address of our laboratory, and we initiate sample processing.
Step 3: Analysis
We manage each phase, from sample pre-treatment to automated Raman microspectroscopy, quality assurances and data processesing. This step requires 6-8 weeks.
If we are unable to process your raw sample in a way that permits a meaningful microplastic analysis, we will refund the cost of the service for that sample.
Step 4: Data & Report
Our services inlcude comprehensive data normalization and presentation. Scroll to learn more about our data and the process behind it.
Microplastic detection
in any sample matrix
"We recognize that there is no universal approach to microplastic analyses but realize that transparency is the key to good data"
We care about your data
By sorting and normalizing your data, we provide comprehensive diagrams, detailing both size and polymer type distribution. In addition, we provide you with access to all raw data. For more accurate extrapolation, we compare the area of particles analyzed with the total area of particles on the filter membrane. We correct for analytical microplastic loss (positive control) and procedural contamination from the protocol (negative control).
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Polymer composition
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Size distribution
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Mass distribution
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Reporting limits (RL)*
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Blank contamination**
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Procedural loss (recovery)
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Falsely partitioned particles
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Microplastics (n)/g or mL
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Microplastics (µg)/g or mL
* Reporting limits (RL) on the basis of blank contamination, are required in the analysis of drinking water according to ISO/DIS 16094-2.
** We offer to perform blank correction in your samples, except drinking water samples where this practice in considered non-conform.
Dedicated
Microplastic
laboratory
Negative control [blank correction]
Pair identification: When two particles in the primary sample and the blank match in polymer type and size they form a 'pair'. Once a pair is identified, the microplastic particle in the primary sample is subtracted, and its matching particle in the blank can no longer be used for subtraction.
Priority of subtraction: Microplastic particle pairs that are closest in size should be subtracted first.
Size limitation: If the diameter of any particle in the primary sample exceeds twice the size of the largest microplastic particle (of any polymer type) detected in the blank, it cannot be subtracted.
How do we perform blank correction?
Blank correction guidelines
Preventive measures
We have replaced all traditional laboratory hardware with glass or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) equivalents. All glassware is kiln sterilzied (muffled) at 500°C for one hour, prior to use. In addition, all our chemical solutions are filtered through submicron membranes to remove plastic contaminants. All sample processing and analysis is carried out under laminar flow cabinets in our dedicated microplastic laboratory located in Toulouse, France.
Correctional measures
Microplastics are ubiquitous pollutants and we recognize that fact. Therefore, we take quality control very seriously. Procedural blanks (negative control) are mandatory and free of charge (one per sample type). In our experience, microplastic data lacking blank control and subtraction, has no value. In addition to contamination, we also correct for the unintentional loss of indigenous microplastics by conducting environmentally relevant microplastic recovery experiments. Note that we provide both blank corrected and non-blank corrected data. For drinking water samples we do not blank subtract but instead apply reporting limits (RL) according to ISO/DIS 16094-2.
Positive control [recovery correction]
During sample pre-treatment, the employment of multiple filtration steps lead to the inadvertent loss of indigenous microplastics. Failure to correct for this loss can result in an underestimation of the true microplastic count (or even overestimation in the case of particle break-up). To address this issue, we conduct recovery experiments utilizing our in-house reference materials, including fragments and fibers.
As the sole commercial microplastic service provider to perform environmentally relevant recovery experiments, we are able to determine analytical microplastic recovery within size groups. With us, microplastic recovery experiments are mandatory and free of charge (one experiment by three replicates per sample type).
Intelligent data treatment and normalization
Our proprietary computer vision-based software cleverly facilitates the correction of false positives by merging unintentionally partitioned microplastics, resulting from the physical limitation of Raman instruments. Additionally, we always perform manual inspection of spectral matches with hit quality index values above 65%, further eliminating false positives.
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Est. 2024