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Thesis title

Microplastics in the enviroment and the analysis - Fulfil knowledge gap of research size covering, methodology and analytical technologies

Summary of the thesis

Microplastics (MPs) were first identified in aquatic environments during the early 2000s, sparking extensive research efforts to deepen our understanding of these particles. However, our knowledge of small MPs remains limited due to a predominant focus on larger MPs (> 200 μm), and advanced technologies like µFTIR imaging struggle to accurately quantify the small MPs. Furthermore, the lack of standardized methods complicates the comparison of data across studies.

To address these challenges, this PhD study aimed to focus MPs down to 10 μm in Danish marine waters, and explore the impact of different methodologies on understanding of MPs in the environment. Moreover, a novel detection technology was introduced in detecting small MPs. In summary, this study filled knowledge gaps regarding small MPs in the marine environment, examined the connection between MP distribution and human activity, and provided insights into the effect of the analytical methodology on MP quantification results. Furthermore, the study introduced the application of Large Area Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (LAATR-FTIR) for detecting small MPs.

Copy of thesis

For a copy of the thesis, please email inst.build.phd@build.aau.dk.