A Study on the Current Status of Microplastic Analysis in the Air Using Raman1

초록

Purpose: To collect and analyze microplastics in the atmosphere, a pretreatment method is necessary to remove interferingsubstances. Research design, data and methodology: Currently, the most reliable pretreatment methods widely used in academiaare oxidative treatment and density separation. These methods vary depending on the sample size and the analytical instrumentsused, and each requires different considerations and processes. Results: Oxidative treatment, for instance, is used to removeorganic matter from samples. This typically involves adding 20 mL of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and 20 mL of Fenton's reagentto the sample, then heating it at 60°C for two hours. During this process, the organic matter in the sample is oxidized and removed. Density separation, on the other hand, is used to remove inorganic substances from the sample. In this method, 40 mL of a ZnBr₂(zinc bromide) density separation solution is added to the sample. The mixture is then left to settle in a separatory funnel for 24hours. After settling, the supernatant is collected for filtration, and the bottom of the separatory funnel is opened to discharge theinorganic matter that has precipitated due to the difference in density. Conclusions: Thus, the aim of this study is to investigatethe current status of analytical methods using Raman spectroscopy in Korea and to identify the optimal pretreatment methodsuitable for analyzing substances as small as microplastics.

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