I am going to conduct a research on Microplastic ingestion my zooplankton. So I need to know the precautions to make my research effective
Using polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) containers for zooplankton sample collection in microplastic analysis can be a good choice, as these materials are generally considered to have low levels of contamination with microplastics. However, it's important to note that even seemingly "clean" plastics like PP and PE can still introduce microplastic contamination, albeit at lower levels compared to other types of plastics.
When collecting zooplankton samples for microplastic analysis, it's crucial to take steps to minimize potential contamination from the collection containers themselves. Here are some considerations:
1. Pre-rinsing: Thoroughly rinse the collection containers with filtered (particle-free) water before use. This helps remove any potential loose microplastics or dust that might be present on the container's surface.
2. Clean Environment: Handle the containers in a clean environment to minimize the introduction of contaminants.
3. Preservatives: Depending on the specific analysis you're conducting; you might need to use preservatives to maintain the integrity of the zooplankton samples. Commonly used preservatives for zooplankton samples include ethanol or formaldehyde. However, you need to be cautious about potential interactions between the preservative and the plastic containers.
For polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) containers, ethanol is generally considered a suitable preservative. These plastics are relatively resistant to ethanol. However, it's advisable to conduct a compatibility test by placing a small piece of the plastic container in the chosen preservative for a period of time and observing any changes.
If you are concerned about potential interactions between the preservative and the plastic, you might consider using glass or other materials that are less likely to interact with the preservative solution.
4. Sampling Procedures: Follow proper sampling procedures to minimize the risk of contamination. Avoid touching the interior of the containers and use tools that are free from microplastics.
5. Lab Controls: In addition to using clean containers, implement strict laboratory controls to prevent cross-contamination during sample processing and analysis.
6. Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC): Include appropriate blanks and controls in your analysis to assess and account for any potential contamination from the containers.
Remember that even with careful precautions, it's nearly impossible to completely eliminate all sources of microplastic contamination. However, following best practices and implementing rigorous quality control measures can help you obtain more accurate results in your microplastic analysis.
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