Laboratory Products 13 Microplastics and those Pesky Teabags


In the UK, over 60 billion cups of tea are made annually using teabags (around 6000 of these in the Analytix office alone!). Although teabags are typically made from paper, they often include a small amount of plastic that is used to seal them shut although some teabags use a plastic mesh for the bag itself. A recent study showed that single teabag can release more than 11 billion microplastic and 3 billion nanoplastic particles into the hot water.


An application note from Analytix used a CDS pyrolysis system to analyse tea bags from two manufacturers where a GCMS EGA method was followed by multistep pyrolysis. As expected, paper was identified in each of the two bags however one also contained a styrene-methacrylate polymer and the other polyethylene.


This application note is a continued study to further quantify microplastics concentrations in a variety of materials. In this case a teabag is really a single use plastic and most tea drinkers are not just ingesting plastic but potentially adding to the environmental burden - gives you something to think about with the next 3pm cuppa.


Download the application note. More information online: ilmt.co/PL/ZkwP


58067pr@reply-direct.com


Chemical Resistant Diaphragm Pumps


The C Series chemical resistant diaphragm pumps from Wiggens are an excellent solution for continuous, oil-free pumping of corrosive gases and vapours and meet demanding applications. The multi-stage construction provides an advantageous combination of high pumping speed and ultimate low vacuum. All major parts in contact with pumped media are made of PTFE which are ideal for extremely aggressive/corrosive gases and vapours. The sealing system provides reduced leakage rates for improved ultimate vacuum (1mbar).


Wiggens continues to extend the line of diaphragm pumps and apply new technologies to this series. More powerful motor drive multi- stage pump heads, which are an excellent choice for applications with corrosive gases and vapours with high vacuum requirements. Typical applications are pilot reactors, industrial rotary evaporators, semiconductor industry, drying ovens and many other laboratory applications. The maximus pumping speed can be up to 145L/min.


Thanks to the frequency conversion motor, the powerful pump could reach a high vacuum in a short time with good stability, which is ideal for larger laboratory applications.


Meanwhile, the frequency conversion vacuum pump can reduce the noise in the laboratory and extend the service life. Please contact Wiggens to learn more about vacuum in the experiment.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/vP1R 57812pr@reply-direct.com ADVERTORIAL MetalFree® Tubes Prevent Assay Interference in Sensitive Applications


Metal leaching from conventional plastic consumables is an ever-recognised concern amongst testing laboratories, established as a cause of many experimental anomalies. Even glassware can emit metal, in the presence of acids such as hydrochloric, contaminating samples and skewing results. Addressing this, the new MetalFree® Laboratories are intended for the storage, high-speed centrifugation and analysis of samples requiring ultra-low trace metal contents.


centrifuge tubes now available in the UK from Alpha


The MetalFree tubes and caps are specially manufactured to ensure common trace metals are below an ICP-MS detection level of one part per billion. Most other centrifuge tubes on the market are only certified below one part per million. The tubes are analysed for 21 different metals including Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Vanadium, Cobalt, Lithium, Cadmium, Iron, Manganese, Copper,


New MetalFree®


Sodium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury, Aluminium, Silicon, Nickel, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium and Arsenic


These metal-free tubes are perfect for applications that can be affected by metal contaminants, and are an ever-growing necessity within forensics, mining, and environmental science disciplines, including water analysis, soil testing, geology, ecotoxicology, and food safety. The centrifuge tubes are also ideal within clinical settings and for scientific discovery, being recommended for use in ICP-MS analysis, enzyme assisted extractions/ separations and x-ray crystallography, where even trace metal presence interferes with results.


Alongside the assurance that metal leaching will not affect experimental accuracy, these tubes are manufactured through environmentally responsible methods. Waste free electronic moulding machinery uses 40% less energy, whilst printed graduations are UV-cured, a process mitigating the release of VOC pollutants.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/kmWj 58068pr@reply-direct.com


Centrifuge Tubes


Manufactured from ultra-low metal resins certified for key trace metal content below one part per billion (1ppb).


Key features: ■ Easy to label, additive free, flat style caps


■ Lot tested and certified free from ATP, Nucleases, and Endotoxins


■ Available in conical shaped 15ml or 50ml tubes ■ Suitable for freezing (to -80C) and autoclavable


■ Tubes withstand high centrifugation forces (17000g for 15ml and 20000g for 50ml)


■ Smear resistant writing panel ■ ISO 11137 sterility assurance of 10-6 ■ Racked or loose packaging options available


■ Manufactured using environmentally responsible processes and recyclable


Find out more and view the full range of MetalFree®


at www.alphalabs.co.uk/metalfree Centrifuge Tubes on our website


WWW.LABMATE-ONLINE.COM


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