An efficient extraction device for microplastics in marine sediments and its applications

Abstract

Microplastics, defined as small pieces of plastic with a size less than 5 millimeters, constitute a significant sink for microplastics in marine sediments. Given the potential harm to nature and human beings, accurate detection of microplastics in marine sediments is of the utmost importance. The separation of microplastics from marine sediments represents a pivotal step in the quantitative detection of microplastics. This paper presents a high-efficiency extraction device for microplastics in marine sediments, with the objective of enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of microplastics extraction. The device employs an air pump to thoroughly mix the samples and incorporates metal perforated plate fillers to achieve efficient sedimentation, thus facilitating the separation of microplastics from the surrounding marine sediments. Subsequently, the separated microplastics are passed through a series of pore sizes of stainless steel screens and glass fibre filters via suction filtration, allowing for the collection of microplastics of varying particle sizes for subsequent identification. Following a series of method trials, the optimal extraction conditions for this device were identified. The results demonstrated its excellent extraction effectiveness and high efficiency. To verify the feasibility of this device, it was used to investigate the microplastics in the sediments of Dongzhai Harbor, Hainan. The abundance, particle size distribution, shape, and composition of microplastics in the sediments of this area were obtained, which not only validated the practicality of this microplastic extraction device but also provided significant insights for ecological and environmental protection in the region.