Analysis of micro- and nanoplastics in air samples using tuneable resistive pulse sensing and raman spectroscopy

Micro -and nanoplastics in the environment represent a growing concern because of their ubiquity and potential health impacts. Analysing these contaminants in the air is especially crucial given the significant health risks posed by direct human inhalation and ingestion. However, accurately quantifying micro- and nanoplastics in the atmosphere, particularly in the submicron range, remains challenging due to current limitations in sampling and detection techniques. Therefore, this study set out to detect and analyse airborne micro- and nanoplastic particles using tuneable resistive pulse sensing (TRPS) and Raman spectroscopy, focusing on particle sizes ranging from approximately 0.8–10 µm. By measuring the resistive pulses generated as particles pass through a nanopore, TRPS provides real-time data on particle size, surface charge, and concentration. Raman spectroscopy complements TRPS by offering detailed chemical identification, color, and shape information. Air samples were collected using the Coriolis micro air sampler, an active wet deposition air sampling device that employs cyclonic technology to efficiently capture airborne particles from both indoor and outdoor environments. The captured particles were dispersed in a phosphate-buffered solution, allowing for direct 1) TRPS analysis without extensive sample preparation, apart from necessary dilutions or pre-concentrations, and 2) sample filtration on to Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559565/document