Environmental analytical chemistry: microplastics quantitative analysis

Created March 22, 2026

Updated on March 23, 2026

approved

This service provides quali-quantitative determination of plastic polymers and additives in environmental matrices through Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The analytical workflow includes field sampling and specialized sample preparation (extraction, purification, and pre-concentration) for diverse matrices such as water, sediments, atmospheric aerosols, snow/ice, and biota. The system enables the identification and mass-quantification of specific polymer types, including PE, PP, PS, PVC, PET, and nylon, among others. Equipped with a Multi-Shot Pyrolyzer, the platform is also suited for the qualitative analysis of non-volatile compounds like adhesives and synthetic fibers, supporting environmental monitoring, forensic investigations, and toxicological research with high-precision data.

resource logo
Tags:
Access Types - Other
Access Types - Physical
Access mode - Other
Forensic chemical analysis
Gas chromatography
Mass spectrometry
Microplastics quantification
Plastic additives
Plastics pollution
Polymer identification
Provider - CNR-ISP
Provider - UniVe
Pyrolysis
Basic
Abbreviation
EAC-02: Microplastics quantitative analysis
Research Infrastructure
CeTrA
Resource Providers
  • University Ca' Foscari of Venice - Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics UniVe - DAIS
  • National Research Council - Institute of Polar Sciences, Local Unit Venezia - CNR-ISP VE
Webpage
https://www.unive.it/web/en/15634/experimental-services
Marketing
Description
This service offers an advanced platform for the identification and quantification of microplastic pollution across all environmental compartments. By converting complex physical samples into precise data on polymer composition and mass, it allows users to identify the specific types of plastic contaminating ecosystems, from industrial polymers to synthetic fibers. The service supports a diverse community, including academic researchers, environmental protection agencies, and health organizations. Applications range from assessing microplastic accumulation in the food chain (biota) and tracking atmospheric plastic transport to forensic characterization of pollutants in urban and remote environments. The platform mitigates the technical challenges of isolating micro-scale particles, providing the reliable evidence needed for environmental risk assessment and regulatory strategy development.
Logo
https://www.unive.it/web/fileadmin/user_upload/img/loghi/400x200/CETRA_400x200.png
Classification
Access Types
  • Physical
  • Other
Access mode
Other
Categories
  • Access physical and eInfrastructures
  • Processing and analysis
Scientific Domain
Natural Sciences
Scientific Sub-Domain
Natural Sciences. Chemical Sciences
Sub Category
  • Access physical and eInfrastructures. Instrument and equipment
  • Processing and analysis. Measurement and materials analysis
Target Users
  • Innovators
  • Policy Makers
  • Research Communities
  • Research Groups
  • Research Projects
  • Researchers
  • Students
Availability
Geographic Availability
Worldwide
Language Availability
  • English (en)
  • Italian (it)
Location
Resource Geographic Location
Italy
Contact
Helpdesk Email
elena.gregoris@cnr.it
Main contact
Elena Gregoris
Public contact
elena.gregoris@cnr.it
Security Contact Email
marco.roman@unive.it
Dependencies
Maturity
Life Cycle Status
Operational
trl: Technology Readiness Level
6 - technology demonstrated in relevant environment
attribution
Management
Access Policy
https://www.unive.it/web/en/15635/access
Order
Financial
Detailed informations
Provider
  • UniVe
  • CNR-ISP
system:type
Service
Management Info
Author
Roman Marco
Maintainer
Roman Marco
Version
1
Last Updated
March 23, 2026, 10:49 (UTC)
Created
March 22, 2026, 17:40 (UTC)
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