Validation of ATR FT-IR to identify polymers of plastic marine debris, including those ingested by marine organisms
Polymer identification of plastic marine debris can help identify its sources, degradation, and fate. We optimized and validated a fast, simple, and accessible technique, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR), to identify polymers contained in plastic ingested by sea turtles. Spectra of consumer good items with known resin identification codes #1–6 and several #7 plastics were compared to standard and raw manufactured polymers. High temperature size exclusion chromatography measurements confirmed ATR FT-IR could differentiate these polymers. High-density (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) discrimination is challenging but a clear step-by-step guide is provided that identified 78% of ingested PE samples. The optimal cleaning methods consisted of wiping ingested pieces with water or cutting. Of 828 ingested plastics pieces from 50 Pacific sea turtles, 96% were identified by ATR FT-IR as HDPE, LDPE, unknown PE, polypropylene (PP), PE and PP mixtures, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and nylon.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2018 |
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Title | Validation of ATR FT-IR to identify polymers of plastic marine debris, including those ingested by marine organisms |
DOI | 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.12.061 |
Authors | Melissa R. Jung, F. David Horgen, Sara V. Orski, Viviana Rodriguez, Kathryn L. Beers, George H. Balazs, T. Todd Jones, Thierry M. Work, Kayla C. Brignac, Sarah-Jeanne Royer, David K. Hyrenbach, Brenda A. Jensen, Jennifer M. Lynch |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Marine Pollution Bulletin |
Index ID | 70197549 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | National Wildlife Health Center |