Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) has become a well-established technique for the detection, size characterization and quantification of inorganic nanoparticles, but its use for the analysis of micro- and nanoparticles composed of carbon has been scarce. Here, the analysis of microplastic suspensions by ICP-MS operated in single particle mode using microsecond dwell times is comprehensively discussed. The detection of polystyrene microparticles down to 1.2 μm was achieved by monitoring the 13C isotope. Plastic microparticles of up to 5 μm were completely volatized and their components atomised, which allowed the detection of microplastics, their quantification using aqueous dissolved carbon standards, and the measurement of the size distribution of the detected particles. Limits of detection of 100 particles per millilitre were achieved for an acquisition time of 5 min. The method developed was applied to the screening of microplastics in personal care products and released from food packaging. The chemical identity of the detected microplastics was confirmed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.
The Scheme of Control and Enforcement Scheme (Scheme) of the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) applies to all fishing vessels used or intended for use in fishing activities conducted on fisheries resources in the Regulatory Area. The scheme is divided into seven chapters: General Provisions (I), Control Measures (II), Monitoring of Fisheries (III), Vessel[…]
For the purpose of ensuring that fishing activities are in compliance with South Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) Conservation and Management Measures (CMMs), this CMM provides regulations that make it easier to monitor, control, and monitor fishing activities. It is the responsibility of the Contracting Parties, cooperating non-contracting party (CNCPs), and participating fishing entities (PFEs) to[…]
In the context of sustainable fishing activities, this Regulation establishes specific rules regarding the eligibility of costs associated with operations that aim to protect and restore marine biodiversity and ecosystems. Additionally, this Regulation addresses the eligibility of costs for operations that aim to mitigate climate change and improve the energy efficiency of fishing vessels. Furthermore,[…]
The Third Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Strategic Plan (2022-2030) sets out a clear roadmap for achieving the CRFM’s vision of effective management, conservation and sustainable use of our fisheries and aquaculture resources, to maximise social and economic benefits in the CRFM Member States. The plan was approved by the Eleventh Special Meeting of the[…]
This measure is based on the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Fishery Resources in the South East Atlantic Ocean, adopted by the Annual Meeting of the South East Atlantic Fisheries Organization (SEAFO) in 2015, establishes the System of Observation, Inspection, Compliance and Enforcement, which shall apply to all fishing vessels and fishing research[…]