Combination of oil-based separation and differential scanning calorimetry towards a methodological setup for microplastic analysis in sediments

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Oliver Kretschmar - , Dresden University of Applied Sciences (HTW), Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • Sven Schirrmeister - , Dresden University of Applied Sciences (HTW) (Author)
  • Luise Jüngling - , Dresden University of Applied Sciences (HTW) (Author)
  • Lucas Kurzweg - , Dresden University of Applied Sciences (HTW), Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • Günther Auernhammer - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • Andreas Fery - , Chair of Physical Chemistry of Polymeric Materials, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • Kathrin Harre - , Dresden University of Applied Sciences (HTW), TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)

Abstract

Analyzing microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) in sediments remains challenging due to low particle concentrations and complex sample composition. We present an integrated workflow combining oil-based separation with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for the isolation and thermal quantification of MP from particulate environmental samples. While the present study focuses on micrometer-sized MP, the methodological principle of oil-based separation combined with DSC provides a scalable foundation for future extending monitoring toward NP. This dual perspective strengthens the relevance of the approach for future environmental analytics. The method enriches MP in an organic phase, facilitates substantial sediment removal, and yields a polymer-rich fraction suitable for DSC-based identification and quantification. Recovery experiments with four common polymers reveal that separation efficiency is primarily influenced by polymer-specific properties such as wettability and density, as well as particle size. Despite moderate recovery rates, the approach proved to be effective for isolating MP < 500 μm from sediment-rich matrices. Its operational simplicity, high matrix reduction, and compatibility with thermal analysis underscore its potential for routine environmental MP monitoring and offer a scalable foundation for future NP detection.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number48
JournalMicroplastics and Nanoplastics
Volume6
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • Analysis, Differential scanning calorimetry, Microplastic, Oil extraction, Oil- based separation