Microplastics
Microplastics
Small polymer particles, characterised where the selected method supports it.
What is Microplastics?
Microplastics are plastic particles typically smaller than 5 mm, spanning fragments, fibres and films of many different polymer types.
Why test for it?
Interest in microplastics in drinking water and in filtration performance is growing. Because methods are still developing, the analytical approach and its size range must be defined clearly before testing begins.
Where can it come from?
- Fragmentation of larger plastic items
- Synthetic textile fibres
- Plastic pipework, fittings and packaging
- Airborne deposition during handling
How is it measured?
Water is filtered onto a membrane and particles are counted and, where the method supports it, identified by spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR or Raman microscopy. Size range, particle count and polymer identification are agreed as part of the testing programme.
What does my result mean?
Microplastic results depend strongly on sample volume, size cut-off and contamination control. Comparisons are only meaningful between samples analysed by the same method.