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