Using autofluorescence for microplastic detection –Heat treatment increases the autofluorescence of microplastics 1

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Adrian Monteleone ◽  
Lena Brandau ◽  
Weronika Schary ◽  
Folker Wenzel
Keyword(s):  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Fluorescence Intensity ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Sea Salt ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Sample Treatment ◽  
Silicone Membrane ◽  
Complex Sample ◽  
Particle Contamination ◽  
Distinct Increase

INTRODUCTION: More and more researchers are studying the effects of microplastics on the environment and the organisms living in it. Existing detection methods still require a heavy workload, complex sample preparation and high costs. In this study, autofluorescence of plastic was used as a new method for microplastic detection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Particles of common plastics were incubated at various temperatures (21–230 °C) for different time periods to investigate the influence of these conditions on their autofluorescence using methods like fluorescence microscopy, and measurement of absorption and emission. To give an example of an autofluorescence application, ImageJ was used to determine the contamination of microplastic in sea salt samples. RESULTS: After treatment at 140 °C for 12 h the plastics ABS, PVC and PA showed a distinct increase in their fluorescence intensity. For PET higher temperatures were necessary to achieve higher fluorescence intensities. Using ImageJ, the particle contamination in sea salt samples was determined as 4903±2522 (aluminium membrane) / 5053±2167 (silicone membrane) particles in 10 g salt, which is a much higher number than counted in other publications. DISCUSSION: Probably the increase in fluorescence intensity is due to the movement of atomic bonds caused by the thermic energy during the heat treatment. The high number of counted particles by using ImageJ is most likely based on the smaller pore size of the used filter membranes and other contaminations like dust and fibers, which could be avoided by alternative sample treatment. CONCLUSION: Considering the outcomes of this study, heat treatment is a useful tool to make microplastic particles more visible in microscopic applications without readable destruction of their composition. The heat treatment of plastics for defined incubation times and temperatures can lead to a distinct increase in autofluorescence intensity of the plastics and therefore serve as an easy and cost-effective applicable method for microplastic detection.

PAH RIS® Soil Test—A Rapid, On-Site Screening Test for Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soil

1994 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 466-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia P McDonald ◽  
Richard E Almond ◽  
James P Mapes ◽  
Stephen B Friedman
Keyword(s):  
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Matrix Effects ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Sample Treatment ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Cost Effective Method ◽  
Test Kit

Abstract Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemicals of concern when they contaminate the environment. Current detection methods (gas chromatography and liquid chromatography) are laborious, time consuming, and expensive. As an alternative, we developed a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit that can be used on site for the detection of PAHs at 1 ppm in soil. The immunoassay kit includes all the components necessary to conduct the analysis in the field. The test consists of 3 major steps: (1) sample treatment; (2) immunoassay, in which the target compound is bound by a specific antibody followed by the development of an indicator color; and (3) interpretation of results. A sample that develops less color than the standard is interpreted as positive (soil sample contaminated with PAHs at ≥1 ppm). Validation studies demonstrated that the assay is sensitive and specific. The assay detects PAH contamination in soil at 1 ppm or greater and specifically detects the 3- and 4-ringed aromatics and most of the 5-and 6-ringed aromatics. PAH-free soil samples gave negative results in the assay at a confidence level of >95%. Matrix effects, interperson, and interlot variations were minimal. The test requires <25 min to complete. The test kit is field compatible and provides a cost effective method for screening soils at risk for PAH contamination.

scholarly journals Food Allergen Detection Methods: A Coordinated Approach

2004 ◽  
Vol 87 (6) ◽  
pp. 1383-1390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip R Goodwin
Keyword(s):  
Hazard Analysis ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Control Point ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Test Methods ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Critical Control Point ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Monitoring And Surveillance ◽  
Analytical Approaches

Abstract The levels (1–2%) and increasing severity of allergic responses to food in the adult population are well documented, as is the phenomenon of even higher (3–8%) and apparently increasing incidence in children, albeit that susceptibility decreases with age. Problematic foods include peanut, milk, eggs, tree nuts, and sesame, but the list is growing as awareness continues to rise. The amounts of such foods that can cause allergic reactions is difficult to gauge; however, the general consensus is that ingestion of low parts per million is sufficient to cause severe reactions in badly affected individuals. Symptoms can rapidly—within minutes—progress from minor discomfort to severe, even life-threatening anaphylactic shock in those worst affected. Given the combination of high incidence of atopy, potential severity of response, and apparently widespread instances of “hidden” allergens in the food supply, it is not surprising that this issue is increasingly subject to legislative and regulatory scrutiny. In order to assist in the control of allergen levels in foods to acceptable levels, analysts require a combination of test methods, each designed to produce accurate, timely, and cost-effective analytical information. Such information contributes significantly to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point programs to determine food manufacturers’ risk and improves the accuracy of monitoring and surveillance by food industry, commercial, and enforcement laboratories. Analysis thereby facilitates improvements in compliance with labeling laws with concomitant reductions in risks to atopic consumers. This article describes a combination of analytical approaches to fulfill the various needs of these 3 analytical communities.

scholarly journals COLOR CHANGE — MASS LOSS CORRELATION FOR HEAT-TREATED WOOD

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 345-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Marinela Olarescu ◽  
Mihaela Campean
Keyword(s):  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Mass Loss ◽  
Color Change ◽  
Treated Wood ◽  
Untreated Wood ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Assessment Procedure ◽  
Mathematical Correlation ◽  
Heat Treated ◽  
Two Parameters

Heat treatment is renowned as the most environmentally friendly process of dimensional stabilization that can be applied to wood, in order to make it suitable for outdoor uses. It also darkens wood color and improves wood durability. The intensity of heat treatment can be appreciated by means of two parameters: the color change occured in wood due to the high temperature, and the mass loss, which is a measure of the degree of thermal degradation. In order to find a mathematical correlation between these two parameters, an experimental study was conducted with four European wood species, which were heat-treated at 180°C and 200ºC, for 1-3 hours, under atmosheric pressure.The paper presents the results concerning the color changes and mass losses recorded for the heat-treated wood samples compared to untreated wood.  For all four species, the dependency between the color change and the mass loss was found to be best described by a logarithmic regression equation with R2 of 0.93 to 0.99 for the soft species (spruce, pine and lime), and R2 of 0.77 for beech. The results of this study envisage to simplify the assessment procedure of the heat treatment efficiency, by only measuring the color – a feature that is both convenient and cost-effective. 

Measurements of Endpoint Titers Based on the Fluorescence Intensity Trend in Anti-Nuclear Antibody Testing

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 469-477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong I L Won
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescence Intensity ◽  
Error Rate ◽  
Antinuclear Antibody ◽  
Regression Line ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Serial Dilution ◽  
Automated Systems ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Single Well ◽  
Line Slope

Abstract Background Automated systems for antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing provide endpoint titers that are predicted based on the fluorescence intensity (FI) value at a screening dilution (single-well titration [SWT]) showing frequent titration errors (more than plus or minus 1 dilution). Methods Line slope titration (LST) was based on the trend of FI values on dilutions. Three dilutions per specimen were prepared considering a patient’s previous titer or FI at the screening dilution. On the XY plot, with the reciprocal of dilution as the X-axis and FI value as the Y-axis, a fitted line was drawn to obtain the endpoint titers. Results The titration error rate (no. of errors/total no.) of LST using a regression line was lower than that of SWT (31/710 [4.4%] and 152/674 [22.6%], respectively; P < .000000001), with serial dilution as a reference. When comparing a regression line using 3 dilution points with a line using 2 dilution points, the error rate of the former was not significantly different from that of the latter (31/710 [4.4%] and 31/746 [4.2%], respectively; P = .842). Conclusions This LST method is useful as an accurate, cost-effective, and rapid approach to measure endpoint titers in routine ANA testing.

Systematic review of surveillance systems and methods for early detection of exotic, new and re-emerging diseases in animal populations

2014 ◽  
Vol 143 (10) ◽  
pp. 2018-2042 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. RODRÍGUEZ-PRIETO ◽  
M. VICENTE-RUBIANO ◽  
A. SÁNCHEZ-MATAMOROS ◽  
C. RUBIO-GUERRI ◽  
M. MELERO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Globalized World

SUMMARYIn this globalized world, the spread of new, exotic and re-emerging diseases has become one of the most important threats to animal production and public health. This systematic review analyses conventional and novel early detection methods applied to surveillance. In all, 125 scientific documents were considered for this study. Exotic (n = 49) and re-emerging (n = 27) diseases constituted the most frequently represented health threats. In addition, the majority of studies were related to zoonoses (n = 66). The approaches found in the review could be divided in surveillance modalities, both active (n = 23) and passive (n = 5); and tools and methodologies that support surveillance activities (n = 57). Combinations of surveillance modalities and tools (n = 40) were also found. Risk-based approaches were very common (n = 60), especially in the papers describing tools and methodologies (n = 50). The main applications, benefits and limitations of each approach were extracted from the papers. This information will be very useful for informing the development of tools to facilitate the design of cost-effective surveillance strategies. Thus, the current literature review provides key information about the advantages, disadvantages, limitations and potential application of methodologies for the early detection of new, exotic and re-emerging diseases.

Highly oxidation resistant and cost effective MCrAlY bond coats prepared by controlled atmosphere heat treatment

2018 ◽  
Vol 347 ◽  
pp. 54-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guo-Hui Meng ◽  
Bang-Yan Zhang ◽  
Hong Liu ◽  
Guan-Jun Yang ◽  
Tong Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Controlled Atmosphere ◽  
Bond Coats ◽  
Oxidation Resistant

scholarly journals DNA Methods: Critical Review of Innovative Approaches

2002 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 797-800
Author(s):  
Esther J Kok ◽  
Henk J M Aarts ◽  
A M Angeline van Hoef ◽  
Harry A Kuiper
Keyword(s):  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Market Place ◽  
Gmo Detection ◽  
Current State ◽  
Detection And Identification ◽  
European Regulations ◽  
Labeling Requirements

Abstract The presence of ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products in the market place is subject to a number of European regulations that stipulate which product consisting of or containing GMO-derived ingredients should be labeled as such. In order to maintain these labeling requirements, a variety of different GMO detection methods have been developed to screen for either the presence of DNA or protein derived from (approved) GM varieties. Recent incidents where unapproved GM varieties entered the European market show that more powerful GMO detection and identification methods will be needed to maintain European labeling requirements in an adequate, efficient, and cost-effective way. This report discusses the current state-of-the-art as well as future developments in GMO detection.

scholarly journals Automatic Fire and Smoke Detection Method for Surveillance Systems Based on Dilated CNNs

Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1241
Author(s):  
Yakhyokhuja Valikhujaev ◽  
Akmalbek Abdusalomov ◽  
Young Im Cho
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Classification Performance ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
False Alarms ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Smoke Detection ◽  
Detection Systems ◽  
Number Of False Alarms ◽  
Unseen Data ◽  
Vision Detection

The technologies underlying fire and smoke detection systems play a crucial role in ensuring and delivering optimal performance in modern surveillance environments. In fact, fire can cause significant damage to lives and properties. Considering that the majority of cities have already installed camera-monitoring systems, this encouraged us to take advantage of the availability of these systems to develop cost-effective vision detection methods. However, this is a complex vision detection task from the perspective of deformations, unusual camera angles and viewpoints, and seasonal changes. To overcome these limitations, we propose a new method based on a deep learning approach, which uses a convolutional neural network that employs dilated convolutions. We evaluated our method by training and testing it on our custom-built dataset, which consists of images of fire and smoke that we collected from the internet and labeled manually. The performance of our method was compared with that of methods based on well-known state-of-the-art architectures. Our experimental results indicate that the classification performance and complexity of our method are superior. In addition, our method is designed to be well generalized for unseen data, which offers effective generalization and reduces the number of false alarms.

Limits In Assessing Microbiological Food Safety

1993 ◽  
Vol 56 (8) ◽  
pp. 725-729 ◽  
Author(s):  
ROBERT L. BUCHANAN ◽  
CATHERINE M. DEROEVER
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Foodborne Disease ◽  
True Incidence

Scientific information pertaining to the incidence of foodborne disease and the sources of pathogenic microorganisms is often limited in relation to the knowledge needed to make informed microbiological food safety decisions. Inherent limitations in the current epidemiological reporting system constrain its usefulness for ascertaining the true incidence of foodborne disease. Additionally, current detection methods are insufficient to make real-time decisions on the microbiological safety of products. An integrated approach that combines enhanced epidemiological data, improved detection methods, detailed knowledge of the behavior of pathogens in food systems, and development of techniques for making quantitative risk assessments is essential for the development of a comprehensive, cost-effective strategy for assuring microbiologically safe foods.

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