We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Comprehensive analysis of common polymers using hyphenated TGA-FTIR-GC/MS and Raman spectroscopy towards a database for micro- and nanoplastics identification, characterization, and quantitation
Summary
Researchers developed a comprehensive analytical method combining multiple spectroscopy techniques to identify and quantify 35 common plastic types found as micro and nanoplastics in the environment. The resulting database serves as a reference standard for consistently detecting plastic pollution across different studies and sample types. This work addresses a critical gap in standardizing how microplastic contamination is measured worldwide.
Environmental contamination by micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) is well documented with potential for their increased accumulation globally. Growing public concern over environmental, ecological, and human exposure to MNPs has led to exponential increase in publications, news articles, and reports (Casillas et al., 2023). Significant knowledge gap exists in standardized analytical methods for the identification and quantification of MNPs from real world environmental samples. Here, we report comprehensive datasets utilizing thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) coupled to a Fourier transformed infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and a gas chromatography/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) with corresponding Raman spectral data for the most common polymers documented to be present in the environment (35 plastics of 12 polymer types), to serve as a base line reference for the identification and quantitation of MNPs. Various parameters for TGA-FTIR-GC/MS data acquisition were optimized. Commercial consumer plastic product compositions were identified using this analytical database. Case studies to showcase the utility of the method for polymer mixtures analysis is included. This dataset would serve towards the development of a collaborative, global, comprehensive, and curated public database for the identification of various MNPs and mixtures.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Current techniques for identifying, quantifying, and characterizing micro and nanoplastics with emphasis on strengths, limitations, and challenges
Researchers reviewed current analytical techniques for identifying, quantifying, and characterizing micro- and nanoplastics across environmental matrices. The review highlights the strengths and limitations of methods including FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and pyrolysis-GC/MS, and calls for standardization to improve comparability across studies.
Analytical tools in advancing microplastics research for identification and quantification across environmental media: from sample to insight
Researchers reviewed the analytical tools most commonly used for identifying and quantifying microplastics, focusing on FTIR and Raman spectroscopy as the two primary methods. The review compared their strengths and limitations and provided guidance for choosing between them based on particle size, sample matrix, and research objectives.
Optimizing microplastic analysis through comparative FTIR and raman spectroscopy: Addressing challenges in environmental degradation studies
This study optimized microplastic analysis by comparing FTIR and Raman spectroscopy approaches for identifying degraded polymer particles in environmental samples where photooxidation and mechanical fragmentation have altered spectral signatures. A combined spectroscopy approach outperformed either technique alone for accurately identifying degraded microplastics in complex environmental matrices.
Analytical tools in advancing microplastics research for identification and quantification across environmental media: from sample to insight
This review surveys analytical techniques used in microplastic research, covering sampling, extraction, and identification methods including FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and pyrolysis-GC/MS, highlighting trade-offs between throughput, sensitivity, and particle size detection limits.
Promising techniques and open challenges for microplastic identification and quantification in environmental matrices
This review assessed current and emerging techniques for microplastic identification and quantification in environmental matrices, highlighting advantages and limitations of methods including FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and pyrolysis-GC/MS.