T196 Three M’s of Microplastics: Methods, Measurements, and Milestones (Posters)

Tuesday, 11 October 2022
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Exhibit Hall F

DETERMINING THE IMPACT OF SURFACTANT TYPE, CONCENTRATION, AND SOLUBILITY ON MICROPLASTIC AGGREGATION

Paper number: T196-3
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Authors

  • Alex Burns Presenting Author
    University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, Fort Smith, AR
  • Matthew Neal
    University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Fort Smith, AR
  • Jon Turco
    University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Fort Smith, AR
  • Jordan Mader
    University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Fort Smith, AR
  • Maurice Testa
    University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Fort Smith, AR

Abstract

Microplastics are defined as either synthetic solid particles or polymers smaller than five millimeters. These particles are insoluble in water, which allows them to accumulate in water sources. Their size allows them to be ingested by wildlife such as fish and other food sources that leads to bioaccumulation up the food chain. Additionally, microplastics can act as vectors to heavy metals, increasing the concentration of these toxins in those exposed. A novel methodology for aggregating and analyzing microplastics within water samples was developed by University of Arkansas - Fort Smith undergraduate researchers. This project focuses on expanding the understanding of the concentration effect of surfactant (Tween 80 or Span 80) and methodology of surfactant solution preparation on microplastic recovery. A standardized mixture of the most common commercially used plastics has been purchased for this project. Varying concentrations of surfactant (0.1, 0.5, and 1 v/v%) and surfactant solution preparation methodology were tested to determine the outcome on sample aggregation.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 54, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2022AM-380613

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