REPAIR OF THERMO FISHER iS5 SPECTROMETER

As part of our Education Partnership with LSU and the Dow Foundation, Rivers are Life donated $2,000 to the LSU Center for River Studies to repair the Thermo Fisher iS5 FTIR Spectrometer. This bench-top device is essential for identifying plastics larger than 0.25 mm in samples from fish stomachs and bayous. The repair revived the spectrometers role in analyzing local plastic pollution.

HOW IT WORKS

The spectrometer is used to analyze larger plastic particles, such as nurdles (raw resin pellets) and other debris, by determining their polymer composition. It works by compressing particles onto a diamond window and capturing their absorption spectra. Following repair, the device has been utilized extensively in projects such as identifying nurdle pollution in Baton Rouge. This ongoing research connects plastic pollution to its industrial origins, helping to establish accountability and drive environmental action.

The spectrometer is crucial for expanding our understanding of how plastics enter and persist in ecosystems, ultimately affecting both wildlife and human populations through the food chain. The repair was urgently needed to maintain momentum in this vital research.

IMPORTANCE & FUNCTIONALITY

The Thermo Fisher iS5 FTIR spectrometer is a compact yet powerful instrument used to identify larger plastic particles, such as nurdles or plastics found in fish stomachs and local bayous. By analyzing particles as small as 0.25 mm, it plays a vital role in assessing pollution’s ecological and industrial origins.

Spectrometers use fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, wherein particles are pressed onto a diamond window and subjected to infrared light. The resulting absorption spectra identify the polymers' composition, enabling precise tracking of pollutants. This functionality is pivotal for understanding the broader impacts of plastics on ecosystems.

IMPACT OF REPAIR

LSU's spectrometer—damaged before funding repairs—was central to ongoing research but rendered inoperable due to wear and technical issues. The spectrometer was prioritized for repair due to its application in high-impact projects, including the identification of nurdle pollution in Baton Rouge and polymers in fish stomachs. Its repair revitalized critical studies, allowing researchers to resume their analyses and contribute to global databases like Nurdle Patrol’s initiative.

By identifying pollutant sources and their ecological pathways, the repaired spectrometer and microscope offer a dual approach to addressing microplastics:

1. Scientific Analysis: Quantifying pollution's spread and toxicity.
2. Actionable Solutions: Informing cleanup efforts, industrial practices, and policy reforms. 

ADDRESSING NURDLE POLLUTION & PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

Nurdles, often transported via railcars and barges, escape containment due to poorly designed handling systems. These spills, though seemingly minor, accumulate over time, wreaking havoc in aquatic environments. They are ingested by fish and waterfowl, transferring toxins through the food chain and impacting biodiversity.

Mitigating this pollution requires regulatory changes and technological solutions:

• Upgraded Containment Systems: Companies can implement double-bagging, funnel systems, or sealed containers to prevent spills.
• Recognizing Plastics as Pollutants: Advocacy for their inclusion in EPA pollutant categories could enforce stricter cleanup and containment regulations.
• Public Awareness and Citizen Science: Programs like "Nurdle Patrol" encourage community involvement in monitoring and addressing pollution.