Plastics Analysis
Providing A Better Understanding of Plastic Material
Plastic pollution has invaded most ecosystems around the world. With a wide range of environmental and health impacts, it is essential that plastics are researched so that their presence can be best understood. To identify the full spectrum of plastic debris, from larger fragments to the smallest “microplastics”, the Shaw Institute utilizes a complementary suite of high-end instrumentation.
Our Analytical Capabilities
We can test for a wide variety of common polymers, including:
- Common Plastics: Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).
- Technical & Synthetic Materials: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polycarbonates (PC), Nylons/Polyamides (PA), and Acrylics (PMMA).
- Other Contaminants: Specialized analysis for additives, plasticizers, and rubbers.
Advanced Instrumentation
The Shaw Institute operates two primary analytical systems to ensure comprehensive detection and quantification:
- Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR): This non-destructive tool measures how infrared light interacts with molecular bonds to create a unique “fingerprint” of the plastic. It is highly effective for identifying specific polymer types and examining particle shape and size. We also use this instrument for community outreach and educational projects.
- Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (Py-GC/MS): This powerful thermoanalytical system decomposes samples at high temperatures to identify polymers by their chemical fragments. Unlike spectroscopic methods, Py-GC/MS can detect extremely small particles (nanoplastics) and provides precise mass-based quantification (e.g., micrograms of plastic per liter of sample) even in complex matrices like soil or tissue.
Comparison of Analysis Methods
Feature | FTIR Spectroscopy | Py-GC/MS Analysis |
Primary Method | Infrared light absorption (Vibrational) | Thermal decomposition (Chemical) |
Output Data | Particle count, size, and shape | Total mass and chemical composition |
Sample Impact | Non-destructive; sample is preserved | Destructive; sample is consumed |
Detection Limit | Limited by particle size (typically >10 μm) | Limited by mass (down to micrograms/μL) |
Preparation Time | Fast; requires minimal preparation | Moderate; requires thermal processing |
Relative Cost | Lower cost for rapid screening | Higher due to complex instrumentation |
We are pleased to offer these plastic analysis services at a low cost to our partners. We utilize this information to provide detailed reports that outline our findings and offer data-driven suggestions for future research or mitigation projects.
Community & Education: Our lab is a hub for outreach. If your school or organization is interested in plastic pollution analysis, we can work with you to design a collaborative project or host a visit to the Blue Hill Research Center. We’re also happy to help support graduate student research or other university projects.
