We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Rapid Single Particle Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe-Mass Spectrometry for Multimodal Analysis of Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed an atmospheric solid analysis probe coupled to mass spectrometry for rapid chemical characterization of single microplastic particles, enabling polymer identification while remaining compatible with complementary imaging techniques for comprehensive microplastic analysis.
Despite mass spectrometry (MS) being proven powerful for the characterization of synthetic polymers, its potential for the analysis of single particle microplastics (MPs) is yet to be fully disclosed. To date, MPs are regarded as ubiquitous contaminants, but the limited availability of techniques that enable full characterizations of MPs results in a lack of systematic data regarding their occurrence. In this study, an atmospheric solid analysis probe (ASAP) coupled to a compact quadrupole MS is proposed for the chemical analysis of single particle microplastics, while maintaining full compatibility with complementary staining and image analysis approaches. A two-stage ASAP probe temperature program was optimized for the removal of additives and surface contaminants followed by the actual polymer characterization. The method showed specific mass spectra for a wide range of single particle MPs, including polyolefins, polyaromatics, polyacrylates, (bio)polyesters, polyamides, polycarbonates, and polyacrylonitriles. The single particle size detection limits for polystyrene MPs were found to be 30 and 5 μm in full scan and selected ion recording mode, respectively. Moreover, results are presented of a multimodal microplastic analysis approach in which filtered particles are first characterized by staining and fluorescence microscopy, followed by simple probe picking of individual particles for subsequent analysis by ASAP-MS. The method provides a full characterization of MP contamination, including particle number, particle size, particle shape, and chemical identity. The applicability of the developed multimodal method was successfully demonstrated by the analysis of MPs in bioplastic bottled water.
More Papers Like This
Rapid Monitoring Approach for Microplastics Using Portable Pyrolysis-Mass Spectrometry
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a rapid monitoring method for microplastics using a portable pyrolysis-mass spectrometry system that can identify polymer types and quantify particles smaller than 5 mm in the field without lengthy laboratory preparation. The approach offers a promising tool for fast, on-site microplastic surveillance in environmental samples.
In situ chemical characterization of airborne nanoplastic particles by aerosol mass spectrometry
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used aerosol mass spectrometry to chemically characterize airborne nanoplastic particles in real time in urban air. They detected multiple polymer types including polyethylene and polystyrene at concentrations that varied with location and weather conditions. This approach enables in situ monitoring of atmospheric nanoplastics without sample collection, advancing understanding of human inhalation exposure.
Multimodal Single-Particle Characterization of Airborne Microplastics Reveals Physicochemical Heterogeneity and Aging-Related Features
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested a combined method using several microscopy and spectroscopy tools to study individual airborne microplastic particles from one urban air sample. Using multiple techniques together found more microplastic particles than using one technique alone, and most identified particles showed signs of wear and chemical changes suggesting environmental aging.
Mass spectrometry as a powerful analytical tool for the characterization of indoor airborne microplastics and nanoplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This review covers recent mass spectrometry-based analytical methods for determining the size, chemical identity, and quantity of microplastics and nanoplastics in indoor air and dust. It highlights how advances in single-particle mass spectrometry are enabling more sensitive detection of nano-sized plastic fragments in indoor environments.
Recent developments in mass spectrometry for the characterization of micro- and nanoscale plastic debris in the environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines advances in mass spectrometry techniques for characterizing micro- and nanoplastic debris in environmental samples, covering particle sizing, polymer identification, and quantification approaches. Improved mass spectrometry methods are expanding the ability to detect and characterize nanoplastics, which are particularly challenging to measure with conventional spectroscopic approaches.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.