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Microplastics Testing

McCampbell Analytical is proud to announce that we are now certified for Microplastics in Drinking Water from the California Environmental Lab Accreditation Program.
collage of items that contain pfas fire retardant, pesticides, non stick coating, styrofoam

Expert Analysis

The MAI microplastics team utilizes advanced testing techniques exceeding basic requirements. Including automated microFTIR for small particles and single-particle ATR spectroscopy for larger ones. These innovative techniques allow for a comprehensive and thorough analysis of your sample. Our skill and experience ensure appropriate examinations across all size ranges with certified quantified results in drinking water.

Why Use Us For Microplastics Testing

  • Low Reporting Limit
  • Fast Turnaround Times
  • Advanced Techniques
  • High-resolution Technology


  • Full Range of Particle Size and Chemical Species
  • Customizable Services
  • Experienced Analysts and Technicians

Certified & Accredited

The MAI microplastics analysis in drinking water has been audited and found to meet the standards set forth by CA ELAP using the CA State Water Board's SWB-MP1-rev1 method. This strict observance of standardized testing procedures demonstrates our commitment to quality and accuracy.

State Of The Art Equipment

TThe MAI microFTIR instrument has a focal plane array detector which collects over 1000 spectra per image allowing for analysis of a sample filter containing over 295,000 spectra to be scanned in less than minutes. This massive amount of data is processed using cutting-edge software to determine how many microplastics are present, what type of plastic it is, the size and shape of each piece of microplastic present.

A low laboratory background microplastic count is an essential factor in analyzing water samples for microplastics. This count represents the potential contaminants that could skew the results of a test. These contaminants can come from various sources, including airborne particulates, clothing fibers, or even plastic items used during the testing procedure. At McCampbell Analytical Inc., our background microplastic count is remarkably low. A lower background count means a lower reporting limit, increasing the sensitivity and accuracy of our tests. This allows us to detect microplastics other laboratories might miss.

Are you curious about microplastics in your environment? Reach out today and speak with a microplastics expert.

FAQ

What are Microplastics

Microplastics are defined as plastic debris of any shape and size ranging from 1 nanometer to 5 millimeters. Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured in small sizes for their use in consumer products, such as cosmetics or biomedical products. Secondary microplastics are plastic particles that break down from larger plastic materials, such as food wrapping, tires, and synthetic textiles. Microplastics have been found in every ecosystem on the planet, from the Antarctic tundra to tropical coral reefs, and have been found in food, beverages, and human and animal tissue. The wide range of particle sizes, densities, and compositions pose a challenge for detection because there is not a single method that can be used to characterize the wide variety of micro and nanoplastic particles.

The California Water Board has defined microplastics in drinking water as solid polymeric materials to which chemical additives or other substances may have been added, which are particles which have at least two dimensions that are greater than 1 and less than 5,000 micrometers (μm). MAI is proud to work with the California State Water Resource Control Board in fine tuning and improving on methodology used to detect microplastics in drinking water. The health impacts and biological effects of microplastics are still unknown, ongoing standardized testing and reporting will continue to define microplastics impact on the environment.

What is the difference between primary and secondary microplastics?

Primary microplastics are made industrially, while secondary microplastics come from the degradation of products like plastic bags and bottles.

What are the sources of microplastics?

Synthetic fabrics are the biggest source of microplastics, shedding them constantly, especially when they are washed. Other sources include land pollution, river pollution, ocean pollution, and vehicle tire fragments.

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