Optimizing analytical methods for atmospheric suspended microplastics: a study on filter suitability and analysis techniques

The monitoring of atmospheric suspended microplastics (ASMPs) plays a crucial role in assessing the input sources and environmental fate of microplastics (MPs) in terrestrial and marine environments. While active research on ASMP has been conducted in recent years in major cities, remote areas, and oceans, the lack of standardized analytical methods has hindered the reliability and comparability of data. The types of filters used for sample collection and instrument analysis, as well as partial analysis of filters for experimental convenience, may influence the research results. In this study, we attempted to derive the optimal analysis method for ASMP by confirming the suitability of each filter for instrumental analysis and comparing the results of partial and whole analysis of the filter. We systematically assessed Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) collection modes, spectra, and detection rates of the five filters— stainless steel (SS), teflon, quartz, cellulose nitrate (CN), glass fiber (GF)—using four types of MP materials (PP, PE, PVC, and PES). Different spectral results were observed for each filter, with quartz, CN, and GF displaying negative peaks at specific wavenumber ranges. The detection rate of MP materials for each filter was determined based on the spectra of MP materials and library match rates, with SS showing a 100 Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/557299/document