Our references
OSE Industries supports its clients in the analysis and detection of microplastics in aqueous matrices
-- On-Site and Laboratory Services --
Microplastics (plastic particles < 5 mm) are an emerging pollutant that affects water quality, ecosystems, and potentially human health.
They are found in surface water, wastewater, industrial discharges, sediments, and soils, originating from the degradation of plastics (PE, PET, PVC, PS, PP…) or from primary sources such as microbeads and textile fibers.
👉 At OSE Services, we assist companies, public authorities, and laboratories with the detection, characterization, and quantification of microplastics, using standardized protocols and advanced analytical methods with on-site microplastics testing.
Verification of the absence of microplastics in raw materials or finished products and aqueous microplastics matrices
On-site analysis of various matrices (e.g. wastewater discharges) in the context of amicable or judicial disputes
Judiciary investigative analyses in cases of suspected fraud or contamination: regulatory compliance microplastics.
👉 [Click here to see all our services for the industrial sector]
Industry: wastewater, chemical processes, plastics, textile manufacturing
Environment: surface water, drinking water, sediments, soils
Agri-food & Cosmetics: quality control and regulatory compliance
Research & Innovation: development of bio-based materials, comparative testing
microplastics analysis, microplastics detection, microplastics quantification, on-site microplastics testing,
We operate throughout France and across Europe
Turnaround time: 48h upon request and depending on context
Microplastic pollution is now recognized as a major threat to the environment and human health.
European and international authorities are gradually implementing regulatory obligations to monitor, analyze, and reduce this pollution in water, soils, and air.
Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC): requires EU Member States to monitor the quality of water bodies. While microplastics are not yet a mandatory parameter, several countries already include them in their national monitoring programs.
REACH Regulation (EC No. 1907/2006): in 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) adopted restrictions on intentionally added microplastics in products (cosmetics, detergents, fertilizers, paints).
Single-Use Plastics Directive (2019/904/EU): targets the reduction of plastics and microplastics generated by the fragmentation of disposable products.
CSRD Directive (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive): requires companies to include plastic pollution indicators in their environmental reporting.
Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy Law (AGEC, 2020): requires all new washing machines sold from 2025 to be equipped with microfiber filters.
Water monitoring programs: France, through Ifremer and Water Agencies, has integrated microplastics into aquatic environment monitoring.
AFNOR Experimental Standards:
XP X43-269 (2022) – Detection and identification of microplastics in water
XP T90-968-1 (2022) – Experimental methods for the detection of microplastics
ISO 24187:2023 – Water quality — Determination of microplastics in water (a global reference under adoption)
GESAMP (UN, FAO, UNESCO, WHO, IMO) – scientific recommendations on microplastic monitoring and impacts
OECD – now integrates plastic pollution into its guidelines on risk management and circular economy
Companies, municipalities, and industries are increasingly required to prove the absence or control of microplastics in their processes and discharges. This involves:
Conducting regular analyses of wastewater and effluents (food, pharmaceutical, textile, cosmetics industries).
Implementing filtration and characterization protocols in line with ISO and AFNOR standards.
Providing compliance reports during environmental audits or certifications (ISO 14001, eco-labels).
Anticipating future legal requirements, particularly regarding traceability of microplastics throughout production and consumption chains.
👉 At OSE Services, we support industrial players in achieving regulatory compliance, offering reliable analyses and standardized reports aligned with European and international requirements.
At OSE Services, we offer a comprehensive service for the detection, identification, and quantification of microplastics in aqueous matrices (surface water, wastewater, leachates, etc.) as well as solid samples.
This approach is essential to assess environmental and health risks related to plastic pollution.
Our protocols are based on a scientifically rigorous methodology, developed and tested in our laboratories:
Introduction of a known weight of plastic into a standardized water volume
Controlled maceration (light, agitation, temperature)
Use of sieves with decreasing mesh sizes (15 mm down to 5 µm)
Pre- and post-filtration weighing, photographic documentation, and careful recovery of residues
Specific protocol for very fine particles (< 5 µm)
Optical microscopy (x20 and x200) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for morphological characterization
FTIR spectroscopy for polymer identification (PE, PET, PS, PVC, PP)
µFTIR and Raman spectroscopy for advanced identification of polymer types
Pyrolysis-GC-MS (Py-GC-MS) for quantification and fine characterization of microplastics
➡️ On-Site Expertise: OSE Services also provides a mobile laboratory, allowing on-site analyses directly at industrial facilities.
Photographic records
FTIR/Raman spectra
Comparative tables
Clear interpretation of results
Systematic detection of microplastics (films, fibers, fragments) in all tested samples
Detection of particles smaller than 1 mm during the final filtration stage
Stronger degradation observed in PE films compared to more rigid plastics like PET
Identification of secondary plastics (e.g. PVC, PS), sometimes revealing cross-contamination of samples
