Salem, NH, September 4
th, 2020
Microplastics have been manufactured for use in drug delivery and products such as cosmetics. They are also considered a potential environmental hazard by many scientists.
Described by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as plastic fragments less than 5 mm in length, microplastics are further categorized into primary and secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics include microbeads, plastic pellets and other manufactured raw plastic materials. Secondary microplastics are created when larger plastic items degrade into progressively smaller fragments.
Due to their small size, microplastics could pose a threat to humans, animals and the environment. There have been a number of research projects that have identified these materials in human and animal tissues. This is due to the fact they can be easily consumed and make their way through the digestive tract and into the bloodstream. Because of their tiny size, unique shapes and chemical composition, they could cause a number of health issues that are not yet fully understood.
Microplastics have also come under scrutiny for their presence in soil, dust, lakes, streams and oceans across the globe. A recent study by the National Oceanography Centre estimates there are up to 21 million tonnes of it in the Atlantic Ocean alone.
Whether designed for specific applications or due to plastic materials degrading over time, understanding and identifying these materials that may last hundreds of years or more is an important and growing area of scientific research. At Advanced MicroAnalytical, their scientists and engineers offer microplastic identification services using a wide range of physical and chemical test methods, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). These and other techniques allow for the analysis of microplastics to support research and development efforts and environmental investigations.
To learn more about Advanced MicroAnalytical’s microplastic testing solutions, please visit
www.AdvancedMicroAnalytical.com, call (877) 605-6662 or email
info@AdvancedMicroAnalytical.com.
About Advanced MicroAnalytical
At Advanced MicroAnalytical we are dedicated to providing you and your business with critical insight and knowledge that is essential in the modern era. We provide the testing services and analytical tools for comprehensive understanding of your materials and projects. Our services range from advanced microanalysis of nanotechnology to compositional and functional analysis of large manufactured systems. Our laboratory services span a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, micro-electronics, nanofabrication, aerospace and defense, environmental engineering – as well as many others. Advanced MicroAnalytical is committed to serving as a valued analytical partner to our clients. We offer unmatched analysis, testing, and services to assist you in your business, environmental, and research challenges. Visit our website at
www.advancedmicroanalytical.com.