Microplastic Laboratory

The Midwest Laboratory for Microplastic Research (MLMR) 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 research-grade method for spectral analysis and chemical imaging that advances our ability to detect microplastic (MP) particles, determine their size and acquire detailed information about their chemical composition. LDIR enables efficient and accurate detection, characterization, quantification, and identification of MPs in sizes between 20 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., 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. Sample types include water, soil, dust, biologic material, human biospecimens, Quality assurance and quality control protocols are completed regularly to ensure accuracy and precision.

Microplastic Laboratory Pricing

The above calculation is based on samples with less than 1,000 particles. These charges will be increased $50 per 1,000 particles. Extra fees may apply if other services are required. For commercial work, add appropriate sales tax. Please contact the lab for any questions or concerns.

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 Megan Brown at mbrown18@niu.edu or Chit Wityi Oo at coo1@niu.edu 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 Midwest Laboratory for Microplastic Research at Northern Illinois University 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 Megan Brown at mbrown18@niu.edu or Chit Wityi Oo at coo1@niu.edu.