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Strategies for environmental polymer analysis: micro-/nanoplastics and water-soluble polymers
Summary
A comprehensive review of analytical strategies for environmental polymer detection—covering mass spectrometry, infrared, Raman, and fluorescence spectroscopy—highlights the strengths and limitations of each method for quantifying micro- and nanoplastics as well as water-soluble polymers. Advancing robust, standardized analytical platforms is fundamental to accurately measuring microplastic contamination across environmental matrices and human health studies.
Abstract The continuous increase in global plastic production has intensified concerns regarding the effect of microplastics and nanoplastics on ecosystems and human health. These minute particles are known to act as carriers of toxic compounds. Water-soluble polymers also face potential environmental challenges. Consequently, a precise analysis of these environmental polymers is essential. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current strategies for environmental polymer analysis. We discuss the advantages, limitations, and recent advancements of prominent analytical methods, including mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Ultimately, this review facilitates the development of more effective and integrated analytical platforms, bridging the gap between current research capabilities and the urgent need for practical and routine environmental assessment methods. This approach will enable a more thorough understanding of the global scope and impact of these concerns.