Publications by authors named "Fengli Ni"
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the marine environment but characterizing them in marine organisms is challenging. Herein we describe a method to detect, identify, and quantify microplastics in marine mussels (Mytilus edulis) using thermal gravimetric analysis - Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy - gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TGA-FTIR-GC/MS) after extracting and isolating the microplastics using chemical digestion, density separation, and filtration. Combining the three instrumental techniques adds discriminatory power as temperature profiles, chromatograms, and vibrational and mass spectra differ among common plastics.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Microplastics are a significant global pollutant, but research is hindered by the lack of quick, standardized analysis methods.
- A new approach using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) combined with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) allows for the identification and quantification of specific microplastics, such as PVC and PS, by analyzing their unique temperature profiles and infrared absorption spectra.
- This TGA-FTIR method has been validated in field samples from bivalves, seawater, and soil, indicating it could be useful for broader environmental testing.