New methods and approaches
for the detection of microplastics
With Wasser 3.0 detect, we develop an easy-to-use, quick and inexpensive detection method for microplastics in water. Our goals are efficient processes and comparable data.
Status quo
The detection of microplastics in water raises many questions. Conventional methods are very complicated, time consuming, and expensive. They are, therefore, only used to a limited extent. They are not suitable for continuous process monitoring and control in water treatment.
Additionally, there is no standardized detection method for microplastics. Many studies are available that have proven microplastics from the Arctic to the deep sea to the Rhine. However, due to the use of different detection methods, their results cannot be compared.
Wasser 3.0
The susceptibility to errors in microplastic detection
Microplastic particles are identified by their unnatural color (e.g. light blue and multicolored) and / or unnatural shape (e.g. fragments with sharp edges, perfectly spherical), but can easily be confused with other anthropogenic or natural particles (e.g., fly ash, street paint, metal vapor, fish scales, ceramic flakes). The error rate is estimated at 20-70%. (Löder et al., 2015) A more selective method is, therefore, necessary to reduce or avoid sources of error and to obtain more precise data.
We combine natural and environmental science know-how with analytical application.
Our innovative concepts for microplastic detection deal with polymer-specific interaction analyses. They are scientifically founded, tested, and validated directly in relation to the application.
Our goal is to detect and quantify microplastics in a simple process step to subsequently remove the microplastics from the water in a resource-efficient, sustainable and verifiable way.
Microplastic particles are often evaluated purely visually. With Wasser 3.0 detect, we minimize errors and increase the ability to act.
A quick test for the detection of microplastics in different waters is helpful for a simple and cost-effective process control, especially in an industrial context, to optimize processes and at the same time protect the environment.
In our blog, we dedicated a 4-part series to the detection of microplastics in general and Wasser 3.0 detect in particular.
