Project

Develop microplastic extraction method from soil

Microplastic (MP) (1 µm – 5 mm) are emerging pollutant due to their ubiquitous occurrence and persistence in the environment, as well as their toxicity to living beings. Polymer-coated fertiliser (PCF) consists of a soluble mineral fertiliser core surrounded by a layer of polymer coating (polyurethane, polyester, alkyd, etc.).

Background

PCF is a source of primary MP in soil that has gained more attention due to a recent proposal of restriction on intentionally added MP in products from European Chemical Agency (ECHA). Although soil is recognized as a major sink of MP, there were limited studies on MP in soil compare to other environmental compartment partly due to the lack of a standardized and reliable analytical method. The thesis aim is to develop and testing microplastic extraction method from soil, with the focus on PCF-derived MP.

Used skills

  • Literature review to understand and develop microplastic extraction method from soil, as well as targeted PCF-derived MP;
  • Laboratory work to validate the extraction method with appropriate analysis techniques (Microscope/Fourier-transformed Infrared/Nile-red dye);
  • Laboratory work to refine extraction method where possible;
  • Data processing and writing.

Requirements

  • Required courses for MSc thesis Soil Chemistry and Chemical Soil Quality;
  • Good laboratory skills;
  • Keen interest to work with microplastic.

Supervisor