DETERMINING THE IMPACT OF SURFACTANT TYPE, CONCENTRATION, AND SOLUBILITY ON MICROPLASTIC AGGREGATION

Microplastics are defined as either synthetic solid particles or polymers smaller than five millimeters. These particles are insoluble in water, which allows them to accumulate in water sources. Their size allows them to be ingested by wildlife such as fish and other food sources that leads to bioaccumulation up the food chain. Additionally, microplastics can act as vectors to heavy metals, increasing the concentration of these toxins in those exposed. A novel methodology for aggregating and analyzing microplastics within water samples was developed by University of Arkansas - Fort Smith undergraduate researchers. This project focuses on expanding the understanding of the concentration effect of surfactant (Tween 80 or Span 80) and methodology of surfactant solution preparation on microplastic recovery. A standardized mixture of the most common commercially used plastics has been purchased for this project. Varying concentrations of surfactant (0.1, 0.5, and 1 v/v%) and surfactant solution preparation methodology were tested to determine the outcome on sample aggregation.