Microplastic Laboratory

The microplastic (MP) laboratory is utilized for research conducted at NIU and collaborates with other academic and non-academic clients. Our laboratory is equipped with an Agilent 8700 Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) Chemical Imaging System which uses quantum cascade laser (QCL) imaging technology. LDIR provides a new method for spectral analysis and chemical imaging that advances our ability to detect MP particles, determine their size, and acquire detailed information about their chemical composition. Compared to conventional spectroscopic or microscopic methods, LDIR enables efficient and accurate quantification and identification of MPs in sizes between 10 μm and 500 μm.

To address potential interferences by non-plastic particles from the samples, the Clarity software MP library contains various spectral data of non-microplastics (e.g., rubber, naturally occurring polyamide, chitin, cellulosic materials, carbonates, and stearates which are commonly present in environmental samples).

The instrumentation applies to research in environmental sciences, anthropology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, biology and biochemistry, public health and beyond.

Microplastic Laboratory Services

• Microplastics Lab Pricing
• Example Microplastic Report Summary

Ongoing Research Projects

• Fate and transport of MP in terrestrial environment
• Bioaccumulation of MP in humans
• Biodegradation and treatment of low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
• Implication of MP in the increase and transmission of antimicrobial resistance
• MP exposure assessment and risk management
• Impacts of MP contamination on agriculture
• MP in sediments and Baltic Research

Please contact Chit Wiyti Oo for analytical requests, pricing, project information or student/research opportunities.

Publication Acknowledgment

If you include data collected on the LDIR in a publication or presentation, please acknowledge the facility and NSF by including: "This work was supported by the Northern Illinois University Microplastics Laboratory and the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2320748."

Please send the citation for any published work, the title of grant applications and agency, dissertation or thesis titles, posters, and presentations to Chit Wiyti Oo.