0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Detection Methods Environmental Sources Policy & Risk Sign in to save

CO2-based matrix-independent carbon quantification approach for single microplastic-ICP-MS analysis

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 2025 2 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 48 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Kristina Mervič, Agil Azimzada, Mansour Bayat, Martin Šala, Björn Meermann

Summary

Researchers developed a CO2-based matrix-independent calibration approach for single particle ICP-MS analysis, enabling accurate size determination of microplastics between 2–7 μm without needing particle-type-specific standards.

Study Type Environmental

This study presents a new CO2-based, matrix-independent calibration approach for size determination of microplastic (MP) particles using single particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (sp-ICP-MS). By incorporating a CO2 gas calibration approach and upon adjusting the flow rates, an accurate size determination of MPs between 2 and 7 μm was enabled. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was successfully applied for method validation. The CO2 gas calibration curves exhibited excellent linearity and reproducibility, with minimal matrix effects across different sample types and matrices, including river water and saline solutions. This CO2-based approach eliminates the limitations of matrix- and size-dependent calibrations, enabling robust and accurate size determinations of MPs. This advancement represents a significant step forward in the analytical capabilities for MPs, paving the way for improved environmental monitoring and assessment of plastic pollution.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Direct Measurement of Microplastics by Carbon Detection via Single Particle ICP-TOFMS in Complex Aqueous Suspensions

Researchers developed a single particle ICP-TOFMS method for directly measuring microplastics in complex aqueous suspensions by detecting carbon, successfully differentiating microplastic carbon from natural particles and dissolved organic carbon in environmental samples.

Article Tier 2

A new elemental analytical approach for microplastic sum parameter analysis—ETV/ICP-MS with CO2

Researchers developed a novel electrothermal vaporization (ETV) coupled to ICP-MS method for detecting microplastics as a sum parameter using carbon-13 signals, calibrated against carbon dioxide gas. The technique achieved size-independent detection across polymer types with a limit of detection equivalent to a single ~70 µm polyethylene sphere, offering a fast, traceable analytical tool for complex environmental samples.

Article Tier 2

Novel calibration approach for particle size analysis of microplastics by laser ablation single particle-ICP-MS

Researchers developed a new calibration method for sizing microplastic particles using laser ablation coupled with mass spectrometry, eliminating the need for costly certified reference materials. Using a polystyrene thin film as the calibration standard, they achieved accurate sizing of particles as small as 2 micrometers across multiple polymer types. The approach demonstrated broad applicability and high transport efficiency, suggesting it could become a universal tool for microplastic particle analysis.

Article Tier 2

Characterisation of microplastics and unicellular algae in seawater by targeting carbon via single particle and single cell ICP-MS

Researchers used single particle and single cell ICP-MS to characterize microplastics and microalgae simultaneously in seawater by targeting carbon signals, demonstrating the technique as a rapid and sensitive tool for distinguishing plastic particles from biological material.

Article Tier 2

Analysis of microplastics in consumer products by single particle-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry using the carbon-13 isotope

Researchers developed a method using single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) with carbon-13 isotope detection to analyze micro- and nanoplastics in consumer products, demonstrating that this technique can characterize particle size distributions and concentrations in complex matrices previously inaccessible to inorganic nanoparticle methods.

Share this paper