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INTERNATIONAL MICROPLASTIC BEACH CLEAN UP@TIOMAN 2023 (IMBC@TIOMAN 2023)

MICROPLASTIC PUZZLE: DENSITY SEPARATION CHALLENGE

Dr. Mohd Rashidi Abdull Manap AMRSC, FSSM

Nur Fariesya Athierah Mohd Fadil Bsc Science Chemistry With Honours

Department of Chemistry

Faculty of Science

Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor MALAYSIA

Office Tel: +603 97693236 (24-hours)

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Date

Time

Place

20 September 2023

9:00 am

Tekek beach

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Objective

To apply density separation technique to separate microplastics from a mixture.

Instructions

Participant will do a sampling and the samples might contains a mixture of microplastics, sand, and other contaminants. Using the density separation techniques discussed, participants will effectively separate the microplastics from the mixture.

Assessment

Ask participants to demonstrate their understanding of density separation by physically separating a mixture of microplastics and other materials using appropriate density-based separation techniques. This will be done at the beach area of Kg Tekek. Types, colour and quantity of the suspected microplastics will be recorded.

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TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO BRING:

Diameter: 11 cm

Height: 5 cm

Round frame tool	Scoop	Scrapper	Tweezer

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STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS:

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SEARCH THE SAMPLING POINT:

Search for the points that have been marked with flags along the high tide line.

Point 1-3 SMK Kajang Utama

Point 4-6 SMK Tekek

Point 7-9 SMK Mersing

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COLLECT SEDIMENT SAMPLE:

Collect the sediment sample using round frame tool and scrapper.

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TRANSPORT THE SEDIMENT SAMPLE:

Bring the collected sediment sample into the bucket containing seawater (between point 5 and point 6).

Point 1-3 SMK Kajang Utama

Point 4-6 SMK Tekek

Point 7-9 SMK Mersing

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ADD SEDIMENT SAMPLE:

Add the collected sediment sample into the bucket containing seawater.

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GENTLY STIR:

Use the scoop to gently mix the sediment and seawater mixture. This can help particles to distribute more evenly and facilitate the separation process.

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REMOVE FLOATING DEBRIS:

Use a tweezer or hand to remove any floating debris or unwanted materials from the surface. These may include, organic matter or leaves.

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COLLECT SUSPECTED MICROPLASTICS:

Carefully extract the suspected microplastics from the bucket using a tweezer or hand.

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EXAMPLES OF MICROPLASTICS

size less than 5 mm
has colour (ex: black, red, green, blue)
floating on seawater

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STORE MICROPLASTICS:

Store the microplastic collected inside containers for analysis.

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SUBMIT THE MICROPLASTIC

Submit the microplastic collected into the person in charge (PIC) at point 5.