- If you don't need to write a menuscript, it can be sufficient (for learning).
- only color and shape can not confirm that those particle are microplastic (MP).
- for the MP size like 0.5 to 5 mm, the hot needle technique may help indicate that which particle is MP
- Just information about color and shape may not help much in answering questions, unless the results are very distinctive. For example, If 80% of the MP you found is red fragment, this could mean that it most likely came from some equipment that is abundant, made of plastic, and appears red in this location.
The color and shape of microplastics provide important information about the particles. But the more data you have on the particles, the more robust your research will be and the better you can interpret your results.
Polymer identification is becoming an integral part of every microplastic research. But it is generally not a "necessity". However, if you plan to publish your results, you should consider the requirements of your journal for whether polymer identification is needed or not.
Check out this article for an easy and cost-effective methodology of Mp extraction and characterization: https://rdcu.be/dq7mZ
The study uses the SCS system for categorizing microplastics according to their size, shape, and color. Also, the article does not provide polymer identification but uses the cost-effective needle test instead to confirm the presence of thermoplastic in the samples.
Good Luck!
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