New Approaches for Micro(Nano)Plastics Analysis

In the 21st century, micro- and nanoplastics have become among the emerging global pollutants resulting from the excessive use of plastic products and the disposal of plastic waste extensively. These pollutants are persistent, tend to accumulate in the environment, and have a negative impact on both human health and ecology. Accurate identification and quantification using suitable analytical methods are important to better understand and mitigate the effects of these pollutants. Various conventional and advanced methods have been applied for the analysis of micro- and nanoplastics in the environment. Owing to the severity of this issue, new analytical approaches are emerging based on the combination of two or more analytical methods. Different analytical methods based on microscopic, spectroscopic, thermal, and electroanalytical techniques have been widely used for the analysis of micro- and nanoplastics in different environmental compartments. Each of these techniques has advantages and disadvantages. Recently, the development of analytical techniques for this application has seen an exponential growth. Therefore, this chapter presents developments in the analysis of micro- and nanoplastics using single analytical methods, bi-analytical methods, and multi-analytical approaches by emphasizing new approaches developed or employed for the analysis of micro- and nanoplastics.