Week Nine: Bumpy Road

 Happy almost weekend, everyone!

This week, Evelyn and I worked on cutting the first filtration filter papers to begin the process of microplastic counting with the Nile red dye and chemical analysis with the FTIR microscope.

By cutting the filter paper into halves, we can utilize each half for their respective procedures- Nile red and FTIR. 

We successfully stained Stages 2 and 3 (with .25 mL of Nile red); however, once the laboratory technician, Chris, made a new batch of Nile red dye, Eveyln and I noticed the stark difference in color between the new and older Nile red; the newest color was violet when the original was a fusha! 

After speaking to a respected lab mentor, we decided to make a fresh solution to achieve similar hues and strive for consistency in our microplastic readings. Despite the perplexing result and situation, I believe we strived for true science, and as he said, regardless of the deviating outcomes, "that is science."

We prioritized the prevention of cross-contamination of microplastics by using sterilized scalpels Josh located for us, autoclaved .1 mL pipettes and tweezers, and conducting the procedure underneath the fume hood. 

Unfortunately, when cutting the filter papers, I missed the glove type preferred, and we will now have to be diligent for any microplastics that may have originated from my glove. Hannah informed me that determining environmental and contaminated microplastics is clear to see with the FTIR analysis since the chemical structure of the observed microplastic would contain little to no absorbed chemicals, something a microplastic originating from the facility would contain. Regardless, I will acknowledge that in my final paper and presentation. 

The microplastic team and I will complete the rest of the staining of the filter papers tomorrow morning!

Here is a photo of Evelyn having surgeon-like precision in dissecting our filter papers :)