Microplastics data in UK (England and Wales) seafloor sediments from 2013 to 2021

notPlanned

Sediment samples were collected as part of CSEMP. Sediment samples were collected using a stainless steel 0.1 m2 Day Grab, rinsed before deployment with Pentane to reduce sample contamination between sites. Surficial sediment (top 2-3 cm) was collected using a solvent rinsed metal spoon and placed in a pre-rinsed glass jar with foil and cap. Samples were stored at -18oC until ready for analysis. Plastic items stability was assumed following the freezing process from direct observation. Plastic items were separated from sediments using a solution of zinc chloride (density 1.5 g.mL-1) and samples were digested for 3 days at 40oC using a mix of potassium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite (30% KOH:NaClO v:v). Extracted particles (< 10%) were analysed using micro-Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).