Introduction

Microplastics are an emerging environmental concern, with their presence documented in ecosystems worldwide. At the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s Environmental Research and Innovation Center (ERIC), researchers are exploring innovative methods to identify and understand microplastics. With the support of Sterlitech’s gold-coated membrane filters, their research is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this field. 

Led by Gregory T. Kleinheinz, R.S., Ph.D., Director of ERIC, the lab’s microplastics research project is spearheaded by student researcher Diana Koehler, with support from Lab Managers Jackie Behrens and Brittany Dupree. The FTIR spectrometer is a powerful tool used to identify and analyze materials based on their infrared absorption spectra, which is critical for their microplastics research. This case study highlights how their collaboration with Sterlitech has advanced microplastics research. 

Research Challenges

When the ERIC lab first began its microplastics research in 2022, the team faced significant challenges. One primary hurdle was ensuring that their methods could reliably capture and analyze microplastics without losing samples. Lab Manager Jackie Behrens recalls issues with the setup of their Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer and finding the right filtration medium for their specific needs. 

“Other filters, like aluminum foil, required us to manually transfer particles, which increased the risk of losing samples. This was a significant challenge in ensuring accurate results,” says Diana Koehler. 

Sterlitech’s Solution

Sterlitech’s gold-coated membrane filters became a game-changer for the ERIC lab. Recommended during the initial setup of the FTIR, these filters provided a robust and efficient solution for capturing microplastics. 

“With the gold filters, we can filter samples directly onto them without the need for transferring particles. This significantly reduces the chance of sample loss and simplifies the process,” Diana explains. “They’ve worked perfectly for us ever since.” 

Lab Manager Jackie Behrens added that the filters’ reflective properties also made it easier to visualize particles, especially compared to darker filtration media. 

Methodology 

The ERIC lab’s research involves collecting water samples from beaches along Lake Michigan. These samples, gathered weekly during the summer months, are processed to remove organic matter and isolate microplastics. 

“We use a vacuum filter manifold to run samples through the gold filters,” says Diana Koehler. “Before filtration, all equipment is rinsed with microplastic-free water, which we produce in-house to ensure contamination-free results.” 

After filtration, the samples are analyzed using the FTIR spectrometer, with Jackie Behrens and Brittany Dupree providing essential support as the FTIR team. 

Findings 

The team’s research has uncovered a wide variety of microplastic types, including polyethylene and polypropylene, often tied to everyday items like water bottles and clothing. Unexpectedly, some analyses also matched compounds like vehicle fender materials and pharmaceutical residues. 

“It’s fascinating and sometimes surprising to see where these plastics originate,” Diana notes. “This data helps us understand the extent of microplastic contamination and could guide future mitigation efforts.” 

Impact and Future Goals 

While the human health impacts of microplastics remain unclear, the ERIC lab’s findings contribute valuable data to the growing body of environmental research. Lab Manager Brittany Dupree envisions creating detailed maps of plastic contamination to inform policy changes and public awareness initiatives. 

“We hope our research can pinpoint sources of microplastic pollution,” says Brittany Dupree. “This could help communities develop targeted solutions to reduce contamination.” 

The team also sees potential for their work to influence new filtration technologies and environmental remediation strategies, paving the way for a cleaner future. 

“Sterlitech’s gold-coated membrane filters have been instrumental in advancing our microplastics research,” says Diana Koehler. “Their ease of use and reliability allow us to focus on uncovering insights rather than troubleshooting equipment.” 

The collaboration between Sterlitech and the ERIC lab demonstrates the power of optimal tools in advancing scientific research. As the team continues to explore the impact of microplastics, their work highlights the importance of innovative solutions in tackling global environmental challenges. 

As a leader in the filtration products industry, Sterlitech can provide a full range of solutions for microplastics research, including gold-coated membrane filters that were used in this study and a field-ready filtration manifold like the SolarVac 601-MB. 

Learn more about Sterlitech’s filtration solutions and how they can support your research. Contact us today to discover the right product for your application. 

Meet the Researchers

Jackie Behrens: Lab Manager at ERIC, FTIR Team. Jackie graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in Fall 2023 with a bachelor’s in biology, emphasizing Ecology and Organismal Biology. As a lab manager, she plays a critical role in overseeing lab operations and supporting the microplastics research project through her expertise and collaboration with the FTIR team. 

Brittany Dupree: Lab Manager at ERIC, FTIR Team. Brittany holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a focus on plant cellular and molecular processes during her undergraduate studies. As a lab manager, she contributes her scientific expertise to support the microplastics research project and collaborates closely with the FTIR team to ensure accurate and efficient analysis. 

Gregory T. Kleinheinz, R.S., Ph.D.: Director of the Environmental Research and Innovation Center (ERIC).

Diana Koehler: Student Researcher. Diana is an undergraduate researcher driven by her passion for addressing environmental issues, particularly microplastics in the Great Lakes. She is doing this research as a Beckman and McNair scholar through University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Diana is excited about the potential of her work to inform future mitigation efforts and appreciates the hands-on lab experience under Dr. Kleinheinz’s mentorship. Balancing her studies with research, Diana uses effective time management strategies like creating detailed schedules and lists to stay organized. Her career aspirations include pursuing higher education and continuing to contribute to environmental sustainability through research. Diana encourages other students to connect with professors and attend conferences to build their networks and explore opportunities in environmental science.