Deeper insights: The potential of X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT) in microplastic studies

Löder M, Wittmann M, Teichert S, Schulbert C, Oster J, Laforsch C (2020)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Conference contribution, Abstract of lecture

Publication year: 2020

Event location: Lanzarote ES

Abstract

Since the topic of microplastics and the detection of these small plastic particles is becoming increasingly important in science, it is necessary to establish methods that allow for a non-destructive detection of microplastics in research objects. Especially with respect to the detection of environmentally relevant concentrations of microplastics in experimental organisms without destroying their body structures X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT) is a very promising technique. We report first results of experiments with radiopaque polyurethane microplastics. Ten terrestrial and aquatic invertebrate species were selected as experimental organisms to provide a cross-section of different invertebrate taxa. In nine of the ten organisms used, microplastic particles could be easily detected by μCT, and in most cases the exact position of the plastic in the digestive tract of the individual organisms could also be determined. In animals with a solid cuticle, the method is also well suited for detecting external structures. In order to be able to make more precise statements about the position of the microplastics in the body structure of the animals radio-opaque staining methods are available and have to be tested in future studies. The method described here is particularly suitable for non-destructive detection of microplastics in organisms at low natural microplastic concentrations in experiments on the uptake and trophic transfer of microplastics.

Authors with CRIS profile

Sebastian Teichert Professur für Paläontologie (Schwerpunkt Faziesanalyse) Christian Schulbert Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät

Involved external institutions

Universität Bayreuth DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Löder, M., Wittmann, M., Teichert, S., Schulbert, C., Oster, J., & Laforsch, C. (2020, November). Deeper insights: The potential of X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT) in microplastic studies. Paper presentation at MICRO 2020 - Fate and Impacts of Microplastics: Knowledge and Responsibilities, Lanzarote, ES.

MLA:

Löder, Martin, et al. "Deeper insights: The potential of X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT) in microplastic studies." Presented at MICRO 2020 - Fate and Impacts of Microplastics: Knowledge and Responsibilities, Lanzarote 2020.

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