Alpha Version Data (has undergone several rounds of internal review from the Moore Institute and is ready for external review)

This mock dataset is part of the Microplastics Data Portal and is intended to eventually serve as the data shared by state-accredited labs for microplastics in drinking water. It was created by discussions with domain experts. Data comes with a template with mock data entry and a rules file that can be used to validate the data using the Data Validation Portal.

Alpha Version Data (has undergone several rounds of internal review from the Moore Institute and is ready for external review) This mock dataset is part of the Microplastics Data Portal and is intended to eventually serve as the data shared by state-accredited labs for microplastics in drinking water. It was created by discussions with domain experts. Data comes with a template with mock data entry and a rules file that can be used to validate the data using the Data Validation Portal.

Alpha Version Data (has undergone several rounds of internal review from the Moore Institute and is ready for external review) This mock dataset is part of the Microplastics Data Portal and is intended to eventually serve as the data shared by state-accredited labs for microplastics in drinking water. It was created by discussions with domain experts. Data comes with a template with mock data entry and a rules file that can be used to validate the data using the Data Validation Portal.

MARINE MICRO-PLASTIC / ON WORLD / DENSITY / NOAA

What is the project and why is it important?

• Microplastics are plastic debris pieces that are smaller than five millimeters in size. They can be found in most habitats on Earth as well as in the digestive tracts of many marine organisms and sea birds. As more research is done on this type of debris, the need for global standardization of sampling methods has been recognized. Since there is no single agreed-upon method for counting and weighing microplastics in water samples, it is difficult to compare results across studies. Although common approaches may be used, most laboratories develop their own procedures for microplastic sampling and processing based on factors such as budget, equipment availability, labor, and the specific research questions being asked. “Interlaboratory comparisons” are performed in many scientific fields, during which multiple labs are asked to analyze identical samples in order to test their ability to produce reliable and repeatable measurements; this can be a step toward the development of standardized sampling methods.

• This project was composed of two parts aimed to address the standardization of microplastic sampling protocols. First, a standardized laboratory protocol was developed for isolating and quantifying microplastic debris in environmental samples. Second, an interlaboratory comparison was conducted to evaluate if protocols used by various labs for quantifying microplastics in water samples were comparable.

• For the first stage of the project, researchers from the University of Washington Tacoma created a simple, cost-effective, and unbiased laboratory method to quantify microplastic debris in environmental samples. The protocol focuses on the filtration, separation, and quantification of many common microplastics. The protocol varies slightly depending on whether the sample is beach sand, bed sediment, or water, but the general procedure includes an initial sieving/separation of the sample, the removal of organic matter, a second separation, and finally drying, sorting, and weighing the sample. For more, access the full laboratory protocol.

• The interlaboratory comparison was the second part of this project and to our knowledge, is the first study to compare different laboratory protocols for isolating and quantifying microplastic debris in water samples. To start, reference samples were created by adding known amounts of microplastic particles and organic matter to filtered water. These samples were then mailed to six national and international research laboratories well-versed in microplastic research. These laboratories used their own protocols to filter, isolate, and quantify the microplastic debris. Researchers reported their results to the team at the University of Washington Tacoma and comparisons were made between the known microplastic values from the reference samples and the values reported from each of the laboratories.

Microplastic Detection Market Outlook

The global microplastic detection market size was valued at approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3.8 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% during the forecast period. This robust growth is primarily driven by heightened environmental awareness and stringent regulations on plastic pollution globally. As public and governmental concern over microplastic pollution increases, there is a surge in demand for effective detection technologies and strategies that can be applied across various industries, including water treatment, food and beverage testing, and environmental monitoring.

One of the key growth factors for this market is the increasing global emphasis on environmental conservation and sustainability. Governments around the world have implemented strict regulations to curb plastic waste, which in turn is driving the demand for advanced microplastic detection technologies. Consumers are also becoming more aware of the impact of plastic pollution on marine and terrestrial ecosystems, leading to increased pressure on industries to adopt sustainable practices. The integration of microplastic detection solutions in industrial processes is becoming a necessity to comply with these regulations and to maintain a positive brand image.

Technological advancements in detection methodologies also significantly contribute to market growth. Innovations in spectroscopy, microscopy, and chromatography have enhanced the sensitivity and accuracy of microplastic detection. These advanced technologies allow for the identification of even the smallest particles, providing comprehensive data that can be used to address pollution sources effectively. The development of portable and on-site detection devices is another trend that is facilitating market expansion by enabling real-time analysis and monitoring of microplastic content in various environments.

The increasing incidences of microplastic contamination in food and water sources have raised serious health concerns, thereby driving market growth. Studies revealing the presence of microplastics in drinking water and seafood have led to a surge in demand for testing and monitoring solutions. The food and beverage industry, in particular, is focusing on implementing rigorous testing procedures to ensure product safety and maintain consumer trust. This trend is positively impacting the microplastic detection market, as it underscores the need for reliable and efficient detection methods.

Regionally, North America and Europe are expected to dominate the microplastic detection market, given their stringent environmental regulations and advanced technological infrastructure. However, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness the fastest growth due to increasing industrialization, urbanization, and efforts to address severe plastic pollution issues. Countries like China and India are ramping up initiatives to combat plastic waste, driving the demand for microplastic detection technologies across various sectors.

Technology Analysis

In the microplastic detection market, technology plays a pivotal role in determining the effectiveness and efficiency of detection processes. Spectroscopy is one of the central technologies used in this domain. It leverages the interaction of light with microplastic particles to identify and quantify their presence in samples. Technologies such as Raman and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy offer high accuracy and are widely used in environmental and industrial applications. These methods are particularly valued for their ability to identify the chemical composition of microplastic particles, providing crucial data for environmental assessment and policy-making.

Microscopy is another essential technology in the microplastic detection market, offering detailed visual representation of microplastic particles. Techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) enable high-resolution imaging and surface analysis of microplastics, which is critical for understanding their morphology and potential environmental impact. This technology is predominantly used in research laboratories and industrial sectors where detailed analysis of microplastic characteristics is required. The increasing demand for precise analytical methods is driving advancements in microscopy technologies, enhancing their application scope.

Chromatography, particularly gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), is widely employed in the detect

A microplastic deposition collection device (MDCD) will be set up at Noland Divide, Elkmont, and UT. The samples will be collected every week over the duration of a couple months in 2020, July to December. The collection equipment will be made completely out of metals and wood to prevent potential plastic contamination and will cover a 3-feet by 3-feet area (Appendix A). Four wooden legs of the MDCD made from 2x4s will be placed on the surface of the ground, and only one MDCD will be present at each site to minimize site disturbance. The wet air deposition sample will enter the stainless-steel pan of the MDCD and be funneled into a metal bucket for collection where the amount captured will be recorded. When approaching the MDCD at the site, the person collecting samples will be wearing clothing materials that are not made of plastic (i.e. cotton) and must stay downwind from the equipment at all times to eliminate chances of contaminating the sample. Deionized water carried into the site, in a glass container, will be poured over the surface of the MDCD to make sure all microplastics in the 3-feet by 3-feet area are included in the sample collected in the metal bucket. The captured water will be agitated by mixing with a metal paddle then a maximum of 1-gallon will be collected. A field blank will also be collected at each site to determine if any microplastic contamination occurred during the time of collection. Before leaving the site, information such as temperature, wind direction, humidity, and rainfall or snowfall, will be collected as well. The samples will then be carried out of the site and sent back to the UT lab, where they will be stored in a dark, approximately 4-degree Celsius refrigerator until lab processing and analysis can take place.

Microplastics are a ubiquitous presence in the world’s aquatic environments and their threat to aquatic biota is poorly understood, especially in freshwater ecosystems. In the environment, microbial biofilms can form on the surface of microplastics, and these plastics have the potential to adsorb harmful toxins. Because lab-based studies on microplastics are often conducted with clean polymers, in ecologically unrealistic conditions and concentrations, the impact of these weathered microplastics on aquatic organisms in ecologically realistic conditions is still unclear. To help address the need for ecologically relevant microplastic exposure data, we incubated 500 μm polyethylene microplastic beads in Muskegon Lake, Michigan, USA and used them to conduct a 28-day ingestion study with male and female fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). We examined the effects of microplastic ingestion on the fish gut microbial community along with hepatic gene expression and health parameters. We foun..., Microplastic Incubation: We used 500-micron, blue, polyethylene beads (Cospheric, Inc., Santa Barbara, CA) for the incubation and ingestion study. First, a subsample of the new, clean microplastic beads were collected and stored at -80°C for 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing (‘pristine-MP’ sample). Then, the particles were secured in 16-micron nylon mesh bags attached to a PVC frame in Muskegon Lake, Michigan, USA at the Annis Water Resources Institute. The frame was secured at mid-depth in approximately 5 meters of water along the break wall from 14 June 2021 and incubated for a total of 56 days before final retrieval on 9 August 2021. Approximately every week during the incubation, the bags were inspected and gently rinsed and on 18 July 2021, after 34 days of incubation, we rotated the bags and examined them closely for wear, reinforcing seams as necessary. At final retrieval, the microplastics were removed gently from the incubation bags and combined in a composite container. We h..., , # Data from: Impacts of weathered microplastic ingestion on gastrointestinal microbial communities and health endpoints in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas)

https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.3j9kd51rn

This study broadly addressed three main areas: 1. health endpoints (growth, condition factor, and hematocrit), 2. gastrointestinal microbial community, and 3. hepatic gene expression. For each of these, respectively, this dataset includes the 1. health measurement data and R code, 2. the namefile, dada2 R code, and downstream ASV analysis R code, and 3. the RT-qPCR data and R code. The raw 16S sequence data for the microbial community analysis has been deposited on the NCBI Sequence Read Archive with the Accession Number PRJNA1088468.Â

Description of the data and file structure

• Health endpoints:
  • fhm_health.csv
  • NA explanations:
    • fhm_01 was removed from test on day 1, no further data was collected on this fish
    • fhm_3...

This dataset contains two csv files. The first one (South_Africa_Port_Durban_Microplastics.csv) reports the results of the study carried out in the Port of Durban in 2019. The file contains water measurement from CTD casts, microplastic abundance in water sampled by microplastic pump , microplastic abundance in sediment and particulate size analysis (PSA) results from Van Veen grab samples. GPS coordinates and time of deployment are reported for each measurement. CTD measured temperature, salinity and turbulence of the water. For microplastic pump casts, the amount of water filtered, the size of the four sieves used and the number of particles found on each filter are reported. Data from the grabs include PSA results and the number of particles found in the replicates (5g each) from each grab with lab blank values. A series of atmospheric blanks was also obtained leaving a jar open during sampling operation and microplastics abundances are reported. The csv second file (South_Africa_Port_Durban_Microplastics_FTIR) contains the profiles of the ATR-FT-IR spectrum analysis of plastic pieces found in the water samples. A .zip folder contains additional 18 FTIR profiles from water samples for which only a .tif image is available. A README text file contains the legend of the columns of the two csv files.

This dataset contains 2 csv files. One file contains data on microplastic abundance expressed in number of particles from biota samples (queen conch, Lobatus gigas) collected in Belize in 2018 (and analysed in 2019) with indication of sample wet weight and blank used. The other file contains the profiles of the ATR-FT-IR spectrum analysis of plastic pieces found in the conch stomachs. A README text file contains the legend of the columns of the two csv files. A .zip file contains pictures of two plastic pieces analysed with ATR-FT-IR. The Commonwealth Litter Project (CLiP) supported Belize to take action on plastics entering the oceans. The assessment of microplastics in biota was part of the action plan to define scientific baselines for future monitoring purposes and comparison. Samples were acquired targeting the queen conch Lobatus gigas from Fishing Areas 1 and 2 (fished in Dec 2018), as defined by the Fisheries Department. Specimens were sourced as part of the Commonwealth Marine Economies (CME) programme. In the lab, stomachs were removed, rinsed and chemically digested by a 30 percent KOH:NaClO solution with an incubation period of 3 days 24 hours at 40 degrees centigrade. All samples were then filtered, stained with Red Nile dye and a digital image was acquired through a microscope. Number of particles was counted and corrected for particles count in blank samples. Visible particles were analysed using ATR-FT-IR to identify polymer composition, comparing their spectrum to a polymers library. ATR-FT-IR is the attenuated total reflection Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy. A Thermo Fisher Scientific Nicolet iS5 ATR-FTIR with an OMNIC software (version 9.9.473) was used and polymers were identified based on the percentage match of IR spectra to a polymer library. Only spectra matched greater than 70 percent were accepted. Spectra were collected in the range 4000 – 650 1/cm at a resolution of 4 1/cm.

For this study, larvae of Belgica antarctica were exposed to varying concentrations of microplastics in lab conditions. After exposing larvae for 10 days, we measured a variety of physiological outcomes, including survival, metabolic rate, and energy store levels (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins).

This dataset contains 3 csv files. One file (South_Africa_Biota_Microplastics.csv) reports the microplastic abundance in biota samples (anchovies, redeye round herring and sardines) collected and analysed in South Africa in 2019. The file contains data of the samples weight, length and number of microplastic items found. Fish is ordered by 'stratum' (geographical reference, please see South_Africa_Biota_Microplastics_Strata.doc). Fish of the same species in the same stratum were also stored in bags and a blank was measured in the lab to assess contamination while working with specimens from the same bag. Blank values are also reported. in the file. The file also reports information for each sample. Since fish populations were homogeneous in size and shape, body weight and length were recorded for only 5 individuals per bag, and averaged values are reported for all fish from that bag. Stomach weight was measured individually for all specimens. For sardines in strata E and F the lengths and weights of each fish were measured, allowing for further analysis on the health effects of microplastics in sardines. The file South_Africa_Biota_Microplastics_FishMeasurements.csv reports body weights and length of the specimen actually measured in each bag. A third file (South_Africa_Biota_Microplastics_FTIR.csv) contains the profiles of the ATR-FT-IR spectrum analysis of plastic pieces found in the fish stomachs., plus two profiles of known plastic for quality check A README text file contains the legend of the columns of the three csv files.

The pictures of the plastic particles analysed with ATR-FT-IR can be obtained inquiring the data steward.

A community science project in the Ottawa River Watershed in Canada involved volunteers in collecting sediment from 68 locations across 750 km. The project saw a 91% return rate of distributed kits, with 42 volunteers participating. Analysis revealed relatively low particle concentrations, influenced by factors like the watershed's large size, lower population density, and the Ottawa River's characteristics. The study highlighted the advantages of community science in large-scale freshwater research but emphasized the need for careful research design and strict quality control, particularly in lab sample processing. Community science is a valuable method for large-scale microplastic sampling.Un projet de science communautaire dans le bassin versant de la rivière des Outaouais au Canada a impliqué des bénévoles pour collecter des sédiments à 68 endroits sur 750 km. Le projet a enregistré un taux de retour de 91 % des kits distribués, avec la participation de 42 bénévoles. L'analyse a révélé des concentrations de particules relativement faibles, influencées par des facteurs tels que la grande taille du bassin versant, la faible densité de population et les caractéristiques de la rivière des Outaouais. L'étude a mis en évidence les avantages de la science communautaire dans la recherche à grande échelle sur l'eau douce, mais a souligné la nécessité d'une conception de recherche minutieuse et d'un contrôle de qualité strict, en particulier dans le traitement des échantillons en laboratoire. La science communautaire est une méthode précieuse pour l'échantillonnage de microplastiques à grande échelle.

Dataset supporting the publication "Discrimination of microplastics and phytoplankton using impedance cytometry", ACS sensors. Dataset includes the impedance flow cytometry data of microplastic and phytoplanton samples. The data is accessible under CC- BY- NC license

Rising global concentrations of environmental micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) drive concerns for human exposure and health outcomes. Complementary methods for the robust detection of tissue MNPs, including pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, confirm the presence of MNPs in human kidney, liver, and brain. MNPs in these organs primarily consist of polyethylene, with lesser but significant concentrations of other polymers. Brain tissues harbor higher proportions of polyethylene compared to the plastic composition in the liver or kidney, and electron microscopy verified the nature of the isolated brain MNPs, which present largely as nanoscale shard-like fragments. Plastic concentrations in these decedent tissues were not influenced by age, sex, race/ethnicity, or cause of death, the time of death (2016 versus 2024) was a significant factor, with increasing MNP concentrations over time in both liver and brain samples (P=0.01). Finally, an even greater accumulation of MNPs was observed in a cohort of decedent's brains with a documented dementia diagnosis, with notable deposition in cerebrovascular walls and in immune cells. These results highlight a critical need to better understand the routes of exposure, uptake and clearance pathways, and potential health consequences of plastics in human tissues, particularly in the brain. Methods Human Tissue Samples: The same tissue collection protocol at the UNM OMI was used for 2016 and 2024. Small pieces of representative organs (3 to 5 cm3) were routinely collected at autopsy and stored in 10% formalin. Additionally, decedent samples from a cohort with confirmed dementia (N=12) were included and collected at the UNM OMI under identical procedures. Limited demographic data (age, sex, race/ethnicity, cause of death, date of death) were available due to the conditions of specimen approval; age of death, race/ethnicity, and sex were relatively consistent across cohorts (Table S1). Additional brain samples (N=28) were obtained from repositories on the East Coast of the United States to provide a greater range for the year of death (going back to 1997). All studies were approved by the respective Institutional Review Boards. Py-GC/MS Detection of Polymer Solids: Briefly, solid particulates are isolated from chemically digested tissue samples, then combusted to reveal signature mass spectra for select polymers (full details in the Supplemental Information, Section 1.2). Thus, the Py-GC/MS output is derived from enriched solid polymer particles and not soluble components from the digested tissue. Samples (approximately 500 mg) were digested with 10% potassium hydroxide for at least 3d at 40°C. Samples were then ultracentrifuged at 100,000 x g for 4h to generate a pellet enriched in solid materials resistant to such digestion, which included polymer-based solids. A 1–2 mg portion of the resulting pellet was then analyzed by single-shot Py-GC/MS and compared to a microplastics-CaCO3 standard containing 12 specific polymers: polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon 66 (N66), styrene-butadiene (SBR), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon 6 (N6), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyurethane (PU), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). Py-GCMS operating settings and polymer pyrolyzate targets are described in Tables S2 and S3, with examples of spectra from samples, standards, and blanks shown in Figures S2-S4. Polymer spectra were identified via the F-Search MPs v2.1 software (Frontier Labs). The resulting data were normalized to the original sample weight to render a mass concentration (µg/g).

This dataset contains 2 csv files. One file contains data on microplastic abundance expressed in number of particles from 12 transects in Port Vila Bay and Mele Bay in Efate Island (Vanuatu) in 2018 with indication of volume and surface surveyed and transect info (duration, coordinates, comments). The file also contains information on blank used and contamination checks. The other file contains spectrum analysis of particles carried out with a ATR-FTIR. A READ-ME text file contains the description of columns content for the two csv files and a brief description of particles that have been analysed with the FTIR and photographed . A .zip file includes two folders with pictures of microplastics (particles with size < 5 mm, Arthur et al., 2008) and macrolitter in diameter (particles with size > 5 mm). The Commonwealth Litter Project (CLiP) supported Solomon Islands to take action on plastics entering the oceans. The assessment of microplastics in seawater was part of the action plan to define scientific baselines for future monitoring purposes and comparison. Samples were acquired towing a manta trawl from a 7.5 m vessel for 30 mins at less than 3knots. The trawl had a mouth of 60x18cm and a net mesh size of 335micron. The amount of water filtered was measured by a General Oceanics mechanical flowmeter (one-way clutch). The sample was then rinsed in a jar through a 315 micron sieve and frozen at -18 degrees centigrade. High concentrations of organic matter were found in Mele Bay (coral spawning event). In the lab, visible plastic particles >5mm were removed and analysed with a ATR-FT-IR to identify particle composition comparing their spectrum to a polymers library. The rest of the sample was chemically digested with 30% KOH:NaClO solution with an incubation of 1 day at 40 degrees centigrade. Samples were then filtered, stained with Red Nile dye and a digital image was acquired through a microscope. Number of particles was counted and corrected for blank samples. A subsample of particles (between 1 and 10%) was processed through a ATR-FT-IR. In case of samples with high organic content, a sieving stage through a 5mm mesh wad added at the beginning of the process. ATR-FT-IR is the attenuated total reflection Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy. A Thermo Fisher Scientific Nicolet iS5 ATR-FTIR with an OMNIC software (version 9.9.473) was used and polymers were identified based on the percentage match of IR spectra to a polymer library. Only spectra matched greater than 70 percent were accepted Spectra were collected in the range 4000 – 650 1/cm at a resolution of 4 1/cm.

Microplastic (MP; < 5mm) is ubiquitous in marine environments and is likely transported by biotic benthic-pelagic coupling. Mussels are key benthic-pelagic couplers, concentrating particles from the water column into dense and nutrient rich biodeposits. This study examined how MP affects benthic-pelagic coupling processes of mussels exposed to feeding regimes with and without MP by measuring four attributes of biodeposits: 1) morphology, 2) quantity of algal and MP particles, 3) sinking rate, and 4) resuspension velocity. We found interacting effects of particle treatment and biodeposit type on biodeposit morphology. Biodeposits from the algae treatment contained more algal cells on average than biodeposits from the MP treatment. Biodeposits from the MP treatment sank 34-37% slower and resuspended in 7-22% slower shear velocities than biodeposits from the algae treatment. Decreases in sinking and resuspension velocities of biodeposits containing MP may increase dispersal distances, t...

Ce jeu de données comprend des données collectées par le Passamaquoddy Recognition Group Inc. (PRGI), une organisation autochtone à but non lucratif dirigée par la Nation Peskotomuhkati de Skutik. Ce projet est financé par le ministère Pêches et Océans Canada (MPO), Programme sur les données environnementales côtières de référence (PDECR). Les données rassemblent des échantillons collectés depuis 2020-2022, et représentent des données de terrain, ainsi que des données de laboratoire et de spectrométrie infrarouge à transformée de Fourier (FTIR), toutes liées à l'échantillonnage du homard américain (Homarus americanus) dans le but d'étudier la présence et l'abondance de microplastiques dans cette espèce.

Échantillonnage : Des échantillons ont été prélevés dans la région du port de Saint John ainsi que sur des sites de référence dans la baie de Passamaquoddy et à Grand Manan, au Nouveau-Brunswick. Les échantillons ont été collectés à l'aide de pièges à homards standard, et le personnel technique du PRGI était présent lors des activités d'échantillonnage. Les variables dans ce jeu de données comprennent : l'identifiant de l'événement, la date de début, la date de fin, l'heure de mise en place du piège, l'heure de relevé du piège, la latitude, la longitude, l'emplacement général, l'enregistreur de données, la longueur de la carapace (en millimètres), l'état de port (les femelles porteuses d’œufs ont été immédiatement renvoyées dans leur environnement d'origine, et l'indication de conservation ou de libération des individus.

Les homards conservés ont été transportés dans des espaces de laboratoire dans des glacières, puis immédiatement euthanasiés par congélation.

Analyse en laboratoire : Une fois les homards euthanasiés et disséqués, la digestion de la matière organique, et la filtration a commencé. Les tubes digestifs et les tissus musculaires des homards sont disséqués, placés dans une solution de KOH à 10 %. Les échantillons sont ensuite transférés dans un four chauffé à 50 degrés Celsius pendant au moins 24 heures. Cette étape permet la digestion de la plupart de la matière organique. Les restes non digérés sont passés au tamis et analysés visuellement par des techniciens sous un microscope de dissection. Tout microplastique potentiel identifié à ce stade est isolé sur un papier filtre et déposé sur une lame de Petri. Le matériau restant est filtré à l'aide d'un filtre de taille de pores de 0,8 micromètre et d'une pompe à vide. Les filtres, tout comme les débris plus gros, sont également analysés visuellement sous un microscope de dissection. Tout microplastique potentiel est marqué et numéroté pour l'identification par FTIR. La dissection, la digestion et l'analyse visuelle sont effectuées dans un espace de laboratoire, en utilisant des hottes de sécurité biologique et des hottes de fumée pour minimiser la contamination par les microplastiques des échantillons, lorsque cela est possible. Tous les instruments utilisés sont rincés trois fois avec de l'eau filtrée (0,8 micromètre ou Mili-Q), et les échantillons sont couverts lorsqu'ils ne sont pas manipulés pour réduire les risques de contamination. Des blancs environnementaux, des blancs H2O et des blancs de KOH sont prélevés tout au long du processus pour garantir le contrôle de la qualité. À partir de 2022, le PRGI effectue des analyses en laboratoire dans un laboratoire propre dédié, réduisant ainsi l'exposition aux contaminants grâce à des procédures de nettoyage et à un code vestimentaire à faible teneur en plastique.

Une fois l'analyse visuelle terminée, les lames de Petri marquées et numérotées avec des microplastiques potentiels sont envoyées à l'Université Western pour une analyse FTIR, permettant d'identifier si les plastiques potentiels sont effectivement constitués de matière plastique, et d'identifier plus précisément leur composition en plastique.

Les données de laboratoire et de FTIR ont été collectées entre 2020 et 2023. Les variables liées au laboratoire et au FTIR comprennent la composition des particules via les résultats FTIR, le type de tissu à partir duquel la particule a été extraite (tube digestif ou échantillons de tissu), la morphologie de la structure, la couleur, la fréquence des plastiques et la taille.

Ce jeu de données comprend des données collectées par le Passamaquoddy Recognition Group Inc. (PRGI), une organisation autochtone à but non lucratif dirigée par la Nation Peskotomuhkati de Skutik. Ce projet est financé par le ministère Pêches et Océans Canada (MPO), Programme sur les données environnementales côtières de référence (PDECR). Les données rassemblent des échantillons collectés depuis 2020-2022, et représentent des données de terrain, ainsi que des données de laboratoire et de spectrométrie infrarouge à transformée de Fourier (FTIR), toutes liées à l'échantillonnage du homard américain (Homarus americanus) dans le but d'étudier la présence et l'abondance de microplastiques dans cette espèce.

Échantillonnage : Des échantillons ont été prélevés dans la région du port de Saint John ainsi que sur des sites de référence dans la baie de Passamaquoddy et à Grand Manan, au Nouveau-Brunswick. Les échantillons ont été collectés à l'aide de pièges à homards standard, et le personnel technique du PRGI était présent lors des activités d'échantillonnage. Les variables dans ce jeu de données comprennent : l'identifiant de l'événement, la date de début, la date de fin, l'heure de mise en place du piège, l'heure de relevé du piège, la latitude, la longitude, l'emplacement général, l'enregistreur de données, la longueur de la carapace (en millimètres), l'état de port (les femelles porteuses d’œufs ont été immédiatement renvoyées dans leur environnement d'origine, et l'indication de conservation ou de libération des individus.

Les homards conservés ont été transportés dans des espaces de laboratoire dans des glacières, puis immédiatement euthanasiés par congélation.

Analyse en laboratoire : Une fois les homards euthanasiés et disséqués, la digestion de la matière organique, et la filtration a commencé. Les tubes digestifs et les tissus musculaires des homards sont disséqués, placés dans une solution de KOH à 10 %. Les échantillons sont ensuite transférés dans un four chauffé à 50 degrés Celsius pendant au moins 24 heures. Cette étape permet la digestion de la plupart de la matière organique. Les restes non digérés sont passés au tamis et analysés visuellement par des techniciens sous un microscope de dissection. Tout microplastique potentiel identifié à ce stade est isolé sur un papier filtre et déposé sur une lame de Petri. Le matériau restant est filtré à l'aide d'un filtre de taille de pores de 0,8 micromètre et d'une pompe à vide. Les filtres, tout comme les débris plus gros, sont également analysés visuellement sous un microscope de dissection. Tout microplastique potentiel est marqué et numéroté pour l'identification par FTIR. La dissection, la digestion et l'analyse visuelle sont effectuées dans un espace de laboratoire, en utilisant des hottes de sécurité biologique et des hottes de fumée pour minimiser la contamination par les microplastiques des échantillons, lorsque cela est possible. Tous les instruments utilisés sont rincés trois fois avec de l'eau filtrée (0,8 micromètre ou Mili-Q), et les échantillons sont couverts lorsqu'ils ne sont pas manipulés pour réduire les risques de contamination. Des blancs environnementaux, des blancs H2O et des blancs de KOH sont prélevés tout au long du processus pour garantir le contrôle de la qualité. À partir de 2022, le PRGI effectue des analyses en laboratoire dans un laboratoire propre dédié, réduisant ainsi l'exposition aux contaminants grâce à des procédures de nettoyage et à un code vestimentaire à faible teneur en plastique.

Une fois l'analyse visuelle terminée, les lames de Petri marquées et numérotées avec des microplastiques potentiels sont envoyées à l'Université Western pour une analyse FTIR, permettant d'identifier si les plastiques potentiels sont effectivement constitués de matière plastique, et d'identifier plus précisément leur composition en plastique.

Les données de laboratoire et de FTIR ont été collectées entre 2020 et 2023. Les variables liées au laboratoire et au FTIR comprennent la composition des particules via les résultats FTIR, le type de tissu à partir duquel la particule a été extraite (tube digestif ou échantillons de tissu), la morphologie de la structure, la couleur, la fréquence des plastiques et la taille.

This dataset contains three seperate data files from an 80 day exposure study where we exposed juvenile oysters, Crassostrea gigas, to 3 different MP concentrations (104, 105 and 106 particles L-1), represented by 6µm Polystyrene (PS) microbeads, compared to a control treatment receiving no MP. There is data file for shell growth & length, one for condition index and one for lysosomal stability. Shell Length & Weight: Shell height, the maximum dimension from hinge to growth edge, is commonly referred to as shell length, which will be used to describe this dimension here. The shell length of every oyster was measured to the nearest mm. Additional dimensions were measured to account for irregular oyster shapes (e.g., long and thin). All measurements (±1.0 mm) were taken using a digital calliper system that enabled the rapid recording of data. In the weighing technique, oysters were air dried at room temperature for 5 minutes and weighed to the nearest 0.0001g. Oyster meat was oven dried to constant weight (68C for 48 hours) and then meat and shell were weighed separately to the nearest 0.0001g, after a short cooling period. Condition Index. The CI of bivalves is measured by relating either the weight or volume of the meat to some aspect of the shell. In the current study, oyster shell length and weight measurements were standardized using the following formula: Condition Index = (dry meat weight in g) * 100 / (shell weight in g). This widely-used condition index, because of the nature of the measurements involved, is easily standardized and is thus used globally. In addition, the use of dry tissue weights eliminates the bias due to water content fluctuations of whole tissue. A low value for this index indicates that a major biological effort has been expended, either as maintenance energy under poor environmental conditions or disease, or in the production and release of gametes. Thus, as an indicator of stress, or sexual activity, this index gives meaningful information about the physiological state of the animal. Lysosomal Membrane Stability. A series of solutions and reagents were used to test LMS. A lysosomal membrane labilising buffer (Solution A) was made with 0.1M Na-citrate Buffer - 2.5% NaCl w:v (pH 4.5). The substrate incubation medium (Solution B) consisted of 20 mg of N-Acetyl-β-hexosaminidase (Sigma, N4006) or Napthol AS-BI phosphate (Sigma N2125), dissolved in 2.5 mL of 2-methoxyethanol (Merck, 859) and made up to 50 mL with solution A. This solution contained 3.5 g of collagen-derived polypeptide (POLYPEP, P5115 Sigma) as low viscosity polypeptide to act as a section stabiliser. This solution was prepared 5 minutes before use. The diazoniumdye (Solution C) contained 0.1M Na-phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) containing 1 mg mL-1 of diazonium dye Fast Violet B salts (Sigma, F1631). The fixative (Solution D) was made from Baker’s calcium formol containing 2.5% NaCl (w:v). An aqueous mounting medium (Vector Laboratories H1000, Kaiser glycerine gelatine, Difco, Sigma) was used. The lysosomal membrane stability was cytochemically determined using N-Acetyl-β-hexosaminidase. Cryostat sections were cut at 8-10µm (in duplicate on the same slide) and left in the cryostat chamber until just before use. Seven slides were prepared in this manner. Solution A was placed into a water bath at 37 °C to acclimatise. The slides were placed into pre-treatment solution A so that each slide had a different pre-treatment time of 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, and 2 minutes i.e. slide 7= 30 minutes, slide 6 = 25 minutes, slide 5= 20 minutes, etc. Following pre-treatment, slides were transferred to solution B for 20 minutes at 37 °C in a staining jar in a shaking water-bath. The slides were rinsed with a saline solution (3.0% NaCl) at 37 °C for 2 to 3 minutes. The slides were then transferred to solution C at room temperature for 10 minutes. Following this, slides were rinsed rapidly in running tap water for 5 minutes. Sections were fixed for 10 minutes in Solution D pre-cooled to 4 °C. Finally, slides were rinsed in distilled water, mounted in aqueous mounting medium and analysed. The labilisation period (LP) is the time of pre-treatment required to labilise the lysosomal membranes fully, resulting in maximal staining intensity for the enzyme being assayed. The staining intensity was assessed visually using microscopic examination. The labilisation period can be effectively measured by microscopic assessment of the maximum staining intensity in the pre-treatment series, a microdensitometer is not completely necessary for accurate determination. All assessments were carried out on duplicate sections for each digestive gland at each pre-treatment time. Lysosomes will stain reddish-purple due to the reactivity of the substrate with N-acetyl-ß-hexosaminidase. The LP for each section corresponds to the average incubation time in the acid buffer that produces maximal staining reactivity. LP for the other replicate is similarly obtained. Finally, a mean value of LMS of the sample was calculated utilizing the data obtained from the 10 animals analysed. Determination of the LP is usually quite straightforward, but a complicating situation occasionally arises in which the pre-treatment series shows two peaks of staining intensity, possibly due to differential latent properties of the subpopulations of lysosomes. In this situation, the first peak of activity was used to determine labilisation period, as it is the most responsive to staining.

Microplastics Detectors Market Outlook

The global microplastics detectors market size was valued at approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 2.8 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% during the forecast period. This significant growth can be attributed to increasing awareness about the detrimental impact of microplastics on the environment and human health, driving the demand for advanced detection technologies across various sectors.

One of the primary growth factors of the microplastics detectors market is the rising environmental concerns regarding plastic pollution. Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size, have been found in oceans, rivers, and even drinking water, representing a global environmental challenge. Governments and environmental agencies worldwide are introducing stringent regulations and guidelines to mitigate plastic pollution, which in turn fuels the demand for microplastics detection technologies. Furthermore, the growing body of scientific evidence linking microplastics to adverse health effects in humans and wildlife is driving increased investments in research and development of more efficient detection methods.

Technological advancements in detection methods also play a crucial role in the market's growth. New and improved technologies such as advanced spectroscopy and microscopy techniques have significantly enhanced the accuracy and sensitivity of microplastics detectors. Innovations like Raman spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) have made it possible to identify and quantify microplastics at lower concentrations, thus enabling more precise environmental monitoring and research. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms with detection technologies is further enhancing their capabilities, enabling real-time analysis and more efficient data processing.

Furthermore, the increasing collaboration between academia, industry, and government bodies is fostering the development of new standards and methodologies for microplastics detection. Such collaborations are instrumental in standardizing detection techniques and ensuring consistency in data across different studies and applications. This collaborative approach is not only improving the reliability of detection methods but also accelerating the commercialization of new technologies, thereby expanding the market.

Regionally, the demand for microplastics detectors is witnessing significant growth across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. North America holds a substantial market share due to the active involvement of environmental agencies and research institutions in microplastics studies. Europe follows closely, driven by stringent environmental regulations and initiatives to combat plastic pollution. The Asia Pacific region is poised for rapid growth, supported by increasing industrial activities and rising environmental awareness among the population. Emerging economies in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also expected to contribute to market growth, albeit at a slower pace, as regulatory frameworks and environmental initiatives gain traction.

Product Type Analysis

When examining the microplastics detectors market by product type, it is evident that both portable and stationary detectors play critical roles across various applications. Portable detectors, known for their convenience and flexibility, are increasingly favored for field research, on-site testing, and environmental monitoring. These devices are designed to be compact and user-friendly, allowing researchers and environmental agencies to conduct real-time testing in diverse settings, from riverbanks to remote marine locations. The growing demand for mobile and adaptable testing solutions is driving the proliferation of portable microplastics detectors, making them an essential tool in the fight against plastic pollution.

On the other hand, stationary detectors are indispensable in laboratory settings where high precision and accuracy are paramount. These detectors are typically more sophisticated, equipped with advanced features such as high-resolution imaging and automated sample analysis, making them suitable for detailed research and comprehensive environmental assessments. Laboratory-based detection systems often employ a range of technologies, including spectroscopy, microscopy, and hybrid techniques, to achieve higher sensitivity and specificity in identifying microplastics. The rising investment in research laboratories and the need