When plastic products break down, tiny particles of plastic enter and accumulate in the environment. These are commonly referred to as microplastics, or macro- or nanoplastics depending on particle sizes.
How many microplastics are present in a sample or material? What is their origin? What are they made of? Could they be toxic to wildlife, humans or impact whole environments?
UKCEH’s microplastic laboratory services can provide answers to these questions and more. Through sample analysis, our scientists can confirm the concentration, type, shape, size of microplastics found in soil, slurry and inland or treated waters to name just some of the environments we have analysed. Our scientists are actively exploring new environments and samples in which to apply our methods. In the laboratory, our ecotoxicologists can also explore the toxic impacts of this microscopic plastic pollutant.
Contact us for further details and to explore opportunities to collaborate.