Environmental Laboratory 29 The determination of mercury in seawater using
Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy (AFS) Coastal and seawater matrices are considered some of the most diffi cult sample types to analyse because of the often ultra-trace concentrations of target analytes, as well as the high total dissolved solids (TDS) that are present.
There are matrix and spectral interferences that analytical challenges using the common ICP-MS approach as the high TDS can lead to salt precipitation within the nebuliser, torch and cones. This is normally addressed by diluting the sample, but this has the undesired consequence of diluting the already ultra-trace concentration of Hg making accurate and precise analysis very diffi cult.
The employment of PS Analytical instrument, the Millennium Merlin 1631 (for Hg) and for seawater analysis is useful as the systems are not subject the interferences by either high TDS or polyatomic spectral issues. These AFS systems offer excellent sensitivity (in the ppt range), wide linear working ranges, ease of use and rapid return on investment.
The analysers also allow the determination of mercury in other environmental matrices, such as drinking water, wastewater, soils, sediments and sludges.
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59643pr@reply-direct.com New volatile reference standards kit
simplifi es expanded volatiles analysis Restek’s new VOC MegaMix 131 Kit helps you overcome the hassle and frustration of sourcing volatile reference standards. Optimised for stability and performance and containing the most comprehensive offering of volatiles in a single kit, this convenient VOC MegaMix takes care of the time-consuming work for you in sourcing the standards you need.
The single kit is comprised of 131 compounds commonly analysed in volatiles testing, reducing sample prep time and variability. Its high analyte concentration allows for fl exibility in constructing calibration solutions with two independent
lots available to meet your quality control requirements. The new Restek kits are ideal for EPA 8260 or other international volatiles analysis criteria. More information online:
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New research suggests plastic bottles contain higher quantities of microplastics than previous estimates
Recent research has unearthed a startling revelation about bottled water: it contains an alarmingly high number of nanoplastic particles, far exceeding previous estimates. This discovery, made by scientists at Columbia and Rutgers universities, raises signifi cant concerns about the potential health risks associated with these invisible pollutants.
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The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, utilized advanced microscopic techniques with dual lasers to detect and categorize nanoplastics in bottled water. Researchers found that a typical 1-liter bottle of water contains nearly a quarter of a million nanoplastics, a quantity 10 to 100 times greater than the previously detected levels of microplastics.
Nanoplastics, particles less than a micron in size, are much smaller than the microplastics previously studied. These tiny pollutants primarily originate from the plastic bottles themselves and the reverse osmosis membrane fi lters used in water purifi cation. The pervasive presence of these particles, which are much smaller than a human hair, underscores their potential to infi ltrate human tissues and organs.
While the specifi c health risks posed by nanoplastics remain unclear, the study’s co-author, toxicologist Phoebe Stapleton from Rutgers University, emphasizes the urgent need for further research. The alarming fact that nanoplastics can carry over 100 cancer-causing chemicals raises the stakes in understanding their impact on human health.
The International Bottled Water Association and the American Chemistry Council have expressed caution, noting the lack of standardized measuring methods and scientifi c consensus on the health impacts of nano and microplastics. However, the United Nations Environment Programme highlights the broader issue of plastic pollution, stressing the urgent need for a global plastics treaty.
Shocked by their fi ndings, all four co-authors of the study have reduced their consumption of bottled water. Wei Min, a Columbia physical chemist, halved his usage, while Beizhan Yan, a Columbia environmental chemist, switched to tap water, albeit with concerns about fi lter- related plastic shedding.
The study’s fi ndings have prompted a call for more research into the prevalence and eff ects of nanoplastics in various environments, including tap water, air, food, and human tissues. As we grapple with over 430 million tonnes of plastic produced annually and its pervasive presence in our ecosystems, this research serves as a crucial wake-up call about the hidden dangers in everyday products like bottled water.
This groundbreaking study not only exposes the hidden dangers lurking in bottled water but also serves as a stark reminder of the ubiquitous and insidious nature of plastic pollution. As the scientifi c community delves deeper into the impacts of nanoplastics, it becomes imperative for individuals, industries, and policymakers to take concerted action to address the plastic crisis and safeguard public health.
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