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Microplastics Testing Laboratory

Microplastics Testing         
Contact: John Passero
1-800-220-3675 ext. 3604
jpassero@EMSL.com


Microplastics:

Microplastics are defined as solid polymeric materials to which chemical additives or other substances may have been added, which are particles which have at least three dimensions that are less than 5,000 micrometers (µm). Polymers that are derived in nature that have not been chemically modified (other than by hydrolysis) are excluded.

Primary microplastics consist of manufactured raw plastic material, such as plastic pellets used to manufacture parts and micro-beads which have application in a wide range of products such as cleaning agents. Secondary microplastics originate from larger plastic products or macro plastic fragments that have broken down due to mechanical, UV radiation or chemical means producing particles less than five millimeters.

Microplastics Sampling:

Water samples may be collected in pre-cleaned 500 ml or 1 liter glass containers with non-plastic lid liners (PTFE is acceptable). Containers should be packaged to avoid breakage during shipment. The use of plastic packing peanuts should be avoided if possible. Shipping samples on ice (<6o) is preferred, but samples may be shipped at room temperature. Freezing of samples shall be avoided. A 28-day holding time from sample collection to the analysis is allowed.

Soil and similar solids may be collected by shovel or applicable device and placed into rinsed glass containers or jars. Whenever possible submit a minimum sample of approximately one liter in volume; however smaller amounts can also be analyzed when sample volume is limited. Beach sand is typically collected along the wrack line which is the point of high tide where sticks and other debris accumulate. This is also the point where the highest concentration of Micro-plastics is usually found.

Air samples may be collected using 0.1μm or 0.4μm polycarbonate filter cassettes. Flow rates may vary but a total volume exceeding 1000 liters is recommended for area samples. Personnel monitoring samples are typically run at 1.5 to 2.5 liters per minute for the intended test duration and are not subject to the volumes suggested for area sampling.

Food and beverages may be submitted in glass jars or, in the case of unopened food or beverages, in their original containers. Food and beverage samples should be shipped on ice (ice packs) in appropriate coolers for maintaining a cool environment during shipping.
 
Microplastics Analysis:

Multiple reporting styles are available starting with the Basic Microplastics Analysis which includes total microplastics count and sizing information obtained by sieve and fluorescent microscopy to Full Microplastics Analysis which includes the polymer identification with size separation based upon the types of plastics observed. This process is performed by sieve and analysis by Raman Spectrometry. Macroplastics (size >5mm), if found, are also reported for informational purposes but not included in the sizing data.




Full list of services provided for Microplastics ( click for details )
Microplastics
Laboratories providing Microplastics ( click for details )
Atlanta, GA (LAB 07) - NVLAP Lab Code 101048-1Baton Rouge, LA (LAB 25) - NVLAP Lab Code 200375-0Beltsville, MD (LAB 19) - NVLAP Lab Code 200293-0Boston, MA (LAB 13) - NVLAP Lab Code 101147-0Buffalo, NY (LAB 14) - NVLAP Lab Code 200056-0Carle Place, NY (LAB 06) - NVLAP Lab Code 101048-10Charlotte, NC (LAB 41) - NVLAP Lab Code 200841-0Chicago, IL (LAB 26) - NVLAP Lab Code 200399-0Cinnaminson, NJ (LAB List in Description) - NVLAP Lab Code 101048-0Dallas, TX (LAB 11) - NVLAP Lab Code 600111-0Denver, CO (LAB 22) - NVLAP Lab Code 200828-0EMSL Canada - Calgary, AB (LAB 65) - NVLAP Lab Code 500100-0EMSL Canada - Edmonton, AB (LAB 50) - NVLAP Lab Code 600321-0EMSL Canada - Markham, ON (LAB 66) - NVLAP Lab Code 600317-0EMSL Canada - Montreal, QC (LAB 68) - NVLAP Lab Code 201052-0EMSL Canada - Ottawa, ON (LAB 67) - NVLAP Lab Code 201040-0EMSL Canada - Toronto, ON (LAB 55) - NVLAP Lab Code 200877-0EMSL Canada - Vancouver, BC (LAB 69) - NVLAP Lab Code 201068-0Fort Lauderdale, FL (LAB 56) - NVLAP Lab Code 500085-0Houston, TX (LAB 15) - NVLAP Lab Code 102106-0Huntington Beach, CA (LAB 33) - NVLAP Lab Code 101384-0Indianapolis, IN (LAB 16) - NVLAP Lab Code 200188-0Kernersville, NC (LAB 02) - NVLAP Lab Code 102104-0Long Island City, NY (LAB 03) - NVLAP Lab Code 101048-9Meriden, CT (LAB 24) - NVLAP Lab Code 200700-0Miami, FL (LAB 17) - NVLAP Lab Code 200204-0Minneapolis, MN (LAB 35) - NVLAP Lab Code 200019-0Ontario, California (San Bernadino County / Inland Empire) (LAB 71) - NVLAP Lab Code 600239-0Orlando, FL (LAB 34) - NVLAP Lab Code 101151-0Phoenix, AZ (LAB 12) - NVLAP Lab Code 200811-0Piscataway, NJ (LAB 05) - NVLAP Lab Code 101048-2Plymouth Meeting, PA (LAB 18) - NVLAP Lab Code 200699-0Raleigh, NC (LAB 29) - NVLAP Lab Code 200671-0Rochester, NY (LAB 53) - NVLAP Lab Code 600183-0San Diego, CA (LAB 43) - NVLAP Lab Code 200855-0San Leandro, CA (LAB 09) - NVLAP Lab Code 101048-3Santa Clara, CA (LAB 47) - NVLAP Lab Code 600318-0Seattle, WA (LAB 51) - NVLAP Lab Code 200613-0South Pasadena, CA (LAB 32) - NVLAP Lab Code 200232-0South Portland, ME (LAB 62) - NVLAP Lab Code 500094-0St. Louis, MO (LAB 39) - NVLAP Lab Code 200742-0Tampa, FL (LAB 93) - NVLAP Lab Code 600215-0
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