Analytical pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (Py-GC–MS) can provide both qualitative and quantitative data on polymer mixtures, but no standardised protocols are available yet for the application of this technique in the field of environmental microplastics analysis. In this paper, we describe the preparation of a mixture of eleven common polymers that could be used as a reference sample for microplastics analysis in environmental samples by Py-GC–MS. The mixture is obtained by combining two solutions with a total of nine polymers and a solid mixture of two polymers with an inorganic diluent. First, a set of characteristic pyrolysis products and m/z signals is proposed as markers to perform semi-quantitative calculations. Then, changes in the pyrolytic yields of characteristic products due to secondary reactions in the pyrolytic environment are systematically evaluated. The characteristic pyrolysis product of polyurethane (PU), 4,4’-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), was found to be highly susceptible to hydrolysis by the inorganic diluent, except when deactivated silica was used. Finally, the performance of the reference mixture using the silica diluent is evaluated in terms of reproducibility and linearity of response. Relative standard deviations lower than 10% and good linearity of the integrated areas (r² > 0.96) were obtained for all polymers except PU and polyethylene terephthalate. The results show that the proposed mixture could be used in Py-GC–MS analyses of microplastics as a reliable reference material for at least nine of the eleven investigated polymers.
The Ocean Plastics Charter aims to bring together leading countries, sub-national governments, businesses, and civil society organisations to commit to a more resource-efficient and sustainable approach to keep plastics in the economy and out of the environment. With this charter, it aims to transition to a more sustainable and resource-efficient method of managing plastics. Through[…]
These regulations are intended to promote sustainable development, food security, and the sustainable management of fishing activities in Palau’s waters. They also intend to create economic returns, employment generation, and export earnings from the sustainable harvesting of tuna and tuna-like species by encouraging the development of domestic fishing industries and a local tuna market. These[…]
This subchapter E of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations outlines the pesticide programs, including registration and classification procedures, policies, special review procedures, standards, labelling requirements, packaging requirements, data requirements, and good laboratory practice standards. It also covers state registration of pesticide products, rules of practice governing hearings under the federal Insecticide, Fungicide,[…]
The Plastics Roadmap aims to decrease littering and other environmental harm brought on by plastics, prevent needless use, enhance plastic recycling, and replace traditional polymers derived from fossil fuels combined with various substances and liquids. To guarantee more focus on sustainable product development, reuse, product recyclability, and the growing usage of recovered plastics, these objectives[…]
The regulations aim to enhance aquaculture pollution prevention and control, protect aquatic ecosystems, ensure product quality and safety, and promote sustainable development. They consist of 24 articles divided into four sections: general provisions, delimitation of prohibited areas, pollution prevention and control, and environmental monitoring and supervision of fishery waters.