Tracking the behavior of environmental microplastic aggregates using multiple analytical approaches

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K21336
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 1101:Environmental analyses and evaluation, environmental conservation measure and related fields
• Research Institution: Japan Atomic Energy Agency
• Principal Investigator: Battulga Batdulam 国立研究開発法人日本原子力研究開発機構, 原子力科学研究部門 原子力科学研究所 原子力基礎工学研究センター, 博士研究員 (50907996)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-08-30 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: Microplastic / biofilm / coastal sediment / stable isotopic ratio / radiocesium / thermal analysis / coastal environments

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The global survey for the presence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments has attracted widespread scientific attention over the past decade. However, evaluating the composition and characteristics of these anthropogenic debris using highly sensitive techniques is still under consideration. This study demonstrates a multidimensional analytical approach, including isotopic, radiotracers, and thermogravimetric analyses to evaluate characteristics and behavior of MPs in the environment. The present study provides fundamental data of environmental MPs from the isotopic and thermogravimetric aspects and highlights the usefulness of the approach for advances in MP research.

Free Research Field

Environmental Science

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

Considering that plastic debris can distribute various pathways around the world, the research outcome and the multidimensional analytical approaches demonstrated in the present study could lay the foundation for further research to elucidate their characteristics and behavior in the world.