1. Microplastics collected on the beach

   The term microplastics refers to tiny plastic particles in the environment,with a diameter between 1 μm and 5 mm. Microplastics are divided into two categories: primary microplastics like microbeads and pellets, which are produced industrially at a small size; and secondary microplastics, which become smaller as plastic products are broken down through deterioration from exposure to ultraviolet rays and the application of physical forces by water waves for example. Both types are consumed by living organisms and accumulate in the internal organs. Plastic additives and harmful chemical substances adhering to the surfaces are then released,raising concerns not just about their impact on the human body but on the ecosystem and the environment as a whole. The problem of environmental contamination caused by microplastics requires scientific knowledge, including assessments of the amount and distribution of plastics released into the environment, identifying their sources, and evaluating their effects on organisms and ecosystems.Various research and surveys are being conducted around the world.

   However, samples collected from the environment contain not only plastic but also various impurities and adhesions. To obtain correct analytical results, microplastics must be accurately extracted and analyzed by performing a sequence of preparation processes prescribed depending on the sample. Preparation methods for microplastics include acid treatment, in which vegetation, microorganisms, and other organic substances are dissolved; and density separation, which separates the microplastics from sand, clay, and other inorganic substances.

   However, preparation processes, which are primarily performed manually,are complicated, and the results differ depending on the analyst,which is a problem.

2. MAP-100 the World’s First Microplastic Automatic Preparation Device

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   In 2023, Shimadzu released the MAP-100. This microplastic automatic preparation device automates typical preparation methods for extracting microplastics from samples of environmental epipelagic water, thereby providing labor savings, and improving reproducibility and safety. For samples containing microplastics obtained from environmental water, the MAP-100 automates the acid treatment and density separation process, as well as the collection of particles in the sample. This instrument complies with the preparation methods noted in the “Guidelines for River and Lake Microplastic Monitoring Methods” released in March 2023 by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment.

   Samples that have been prepared are then analyzed using various analytical instruments.Shimadzu provides a variety of instruments for performing analyses and evaluations related to microplastics, from Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometers (FT-IR) for identifying the types of plastics to particle imaging systems for measuring the number and shapes of particles. In addition to these instrument lineups, this product, which automates the preparation process, supports the implementation of high-accuracy analysis work. Shimadzu provides wide-ranging solutions for everything from preparation to analysis and measurement,thereby working to solve the problem of microplastics, which is expanding globally.

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Features

1. 1. Replaces Troublesome Manual Work with a Specialized Unit

   The preparation process for microplastic analysis is time-consuming and collecting particles after treatment using tweezers is difficult. This product controls the flow line automatically and collects all the tiny microplastic particles.This not only eliminates dependency on individual skills and heightens the reliability of the analysis, but also eliminates manual labor involving acidic reagents, thereby ensuring safety.

2. 2. Compatibility with Guidelines

   Preparation by this product is compliant with the “River and Lake Microplastics Investigative Guidelines”published by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment. Automating the preparation process for a standard microplastics analysis contributes to the assessment of the actual distribution of these microplastics.

   

3. 3. Simple, Intuitive Software

   The processing time and conditions must be adjusted according to the amount and condition of substances adhering to the sample. The control software for this product consists of simple, easy-to-operate windows,enabling easy configuration of conditions. In addition, the processing status and finishing time can be checked on screen, improving the efficiency of the user’s workflow.