EMSL Now Offering Microplastics Testing in Water Samples

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is proud to announce that its scientists have developed testing procedures that allow analyses for the presence and particle size of microplasticparticles in water samples by using a combination of optical and electron microscopy. At EMSL, additional characterization of microplastic particles with the use of Fourier Transform Spectorscopy (FT-IR) and Raman Spectroscopy is available to determine the polymer type and additives.

Microplastics are generally defined as polymeric particles smaller than 5 millimeters in size in any one dimension and can be found in waste water, rivers, lakes and oceans. Since microplastics are very small pieces of plastic, it can be harder to remove during the waste water filtration process and can enter the ecosystem which would negatively impact the environment.

Additives in personal care products, synthetic fibers, resin pellets, tire recycling, medical products, abrasion and exfoliating beads used in furniture and insulation, and fragments of larger plastic items are all major sources of microplastics. They degrade from the effects of ultraviolet rays and other weather factors.

“The major problem with microplasticparticles is they can potentially leach toxic chemicals, including endocrine disruption chemicals, such as bisphenol A and phthalates,” said Eugenia Mirica, Ph.D., Materials Science Laboratory Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Microplastics can be consumed accidentally and is harmful in regards to human health due to the chemicals used to make the plastics. After testing, the analytical results are reported in parameters such as particle count in size ranges and can be used to determine microplastic sources, transport and fate, and help in devising cleanup operations.”

For service questions, please contact EMSL’s John Passero at 1-800-220-3675 extension 3604 or email  jpassero@EMSL.com . To learn more about microplastic testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail