We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
On the two-phase sample transport of carbon in LA-ICP-MS and its practical implications for trace metal analysis in polymer matrices: classification and sensitivity.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the two-phase transport of carbon aerosols in laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), finding that phase classification of carbon signals has practical implications for the accuracy and sensitivity of trace metal analysis in polymer matrices including microplastics.
BACKGROUND: Analyzing the (trace) metal content of synthetic polymers is of interest both for manufacturing and recycling industries where inorganic additives and contaminations must be monitored. Additionally, the metal content of microplastics has recently gained more and more attention as a means to assess their environmental impact. LA-ICP-MS is commonly used for this task as it provides superior sensitivity and allows direct analysis of non-conductive samples. Nevertheless, LA-ICP-MS comes with the need for matrix-matched standards for accurate quantification which implies that information about the polymer type under investigation is required. RESULTS: In this work, we study the influence of the polymer type as well as the LA parameters on the sensitivity of Pb. We analyze standards containing different levels of Pb for five different polymer types by recording the single pulse response (SPR) signal allowing us to monitor both the distinct two-phase sample transport of C and the signal for Pb. By varying the laser energy, we find significant changes in the ratio of particulate and gaseous C species formed upon ablation for the different polymers with Pb being transported exclusively in the particulate phase. Additionally, we find that the ratio of formed gaseous carbon species influences the signal observed for Pb. Finally, we demonstrate the possibility of utilizing the characteristic two-phase sample transport of C when analyzing polymers in order to identify the polymer type both in prepared thin-films and a sample containing different microplastics embedded in acrylic resin. SIGNIFICANCE: The findings of this work are highly significant when analyzing carbon-based samples as we demonstrate a relationship between the analyte's sensitivity and the ratio of gaseous carbon species formed. Additionally, the proof-of-concept for LA-ICP-MS based polymer classification enables easier selection and application of matrix-matched standards for quantitative analysis in polymers.
More Papers Like This
Trace element distribution in marine microplastics using laser ablation-ICP-MS
AI summary Read the abstract
Laser ablation-ICP-MS was applied to characterize trace element distributions within individual microplastic particles collected from marine environments. The technique revealed that microplastics carry and concentrate diverse trace metals on their surfaces, providing direct evidence of their capacity to transport metal contaminants in marine systems.
CarboxylatedPolystyrene Particles for Plastic Standardsin Laser Ablation ICP–MS Trace Elements Analysis: AnalyticalAspects and Environmental Relevance
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a novel calibration method using carboxylated polystyrene nanoparticles as plastic standards for laser ablation ICP-MS analysis of trace metals in polymers, addressing the lack of suitable reference materials for direct solid-state analysis of microplastics.
Laser Ablation for Nondestructive Sampling of Microplastics in Single-Particle ICP-Mass Spectrometry
AI summary Read the abstract
This study characterized laser ablation as a sampling method for introducing microplastic particles into an ICP-mass spectrometer for single-event carbon detection, enabling nondestructive analysis of microplastics of different types and sizes. The approach preserves particle integrity while providing elemental characterization.
Laser Ablation-Proton Transfer Reaction-Mass Spectrometry (LA-PTR-MS): A Gas-Phase Detection Method for Microplastics Content in Soil Based on Laser Ablation Mass Spectrometry under Small Sample Sizes
AI summary Read the abstract
A new laser ablation–proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry method was developed to rapidly detect and quantify PBAT and polystyrene microplastics in soil using diagnostic volatile markers, achieving R² values above 0.994 with small sample sizes and outperforming full-spectrum machine learning models. This approach addresses a critical gap in soil microplastic monitoring by enabling real-time, sensitive detection without the labor-intensive sample preparation required by conventional techniques.
Nanoplastic Labelling with Metal Probes: Analytical Strategies for Their Sensitive Detection and Quantification by ICP Mass Spectrometry
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed metal probe labelling strategies to enable sensitive detection and quantification of nanoplastics by ICP mass spectrometry, overcoming the challenge that nanoplastics are too small and carbon-rich for conventional analytical techniques to distinguish.
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.