PROTOCOL FOR SEDIMENT SAMPLE ANALYSIS part 1

1. The first step is to weigh the content of each jar. Our scale measures up to 1200 g, so it might be necessary to weigh the sample partially. Do not forget to tare the jar before writing down the actual weight. 2. Put a part of a sample (the size of a part depends on a material) into a jar with tight cap, add some tap water (make sure not to fill it completely), tighten it and shuffle/shake manually, so that the layers of sediment will mix well. Keep doing that for at least 3 minutes. 3. Afterwards, put the jar onto a table and leave it there for about 3 minutes again, so that it is possible to differ supernatant and water from solid sediment. 4. Since plastic particles are floating in water, it is necessary to use a half centimeter wide transparent tube with loose ends to get the supernatant and water out of the jar. By using vacuum, the tube will suck both out as they are separated into another clean and marked jar. 5. Repeat the procedure at least 3 times on each part of sample. By then, it will be normal to have your supernatant jar filled with water completely. To reduce the volume and make a highly concentrated examination sample, use a transparent half centimeter tube, which has a filter with 500 microns mesh attached on one side. The latter has to be put into a jar, so that we do not lose our floating material, and the open ended side can be put into a sink. By using vacuum again, water will be pushed through the tube and volume will decrease. 6. Your sample is now prepared for further analysis.