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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Plastic breeze: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by degrading macro- and microplastics analyzed by selected ion flow-tube mass spectrometry
ClearRelease of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from photo-degraded plastic debris: A neglected source of environmental pollution
Researchers investigated the release of volatile organic compounds from common plastic polymers including polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene during artificial UV aging. The study found that photo-degraded plastics release harmful VOCs, identifying this as a neglected source of environmental pollution that could pose risks to both ecosystems and human health as plastic debris weathers in the environment.
Gaseous products generated from polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate during ultraviolet irradiation: Mechanism, pathway and toxicological analyses
Researchers identified more than 50 different volatile organic compounds released from polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate microplastics during ultraviolet irradiation in water. The study found that UV-C produced more gaseous byproducts than UV-A, and toxicological analysis suggested that some of these volatile compounds could pose risks to humans and the environment, highlighting an often-overlooked pathway of microplastic degradation.
Static headspace-gas chromatography with mass spectrometry for the assessment of the bioaccumulation of volatile organic compounds associated with microplastics in animal tissues
Researchers developed an analytical method using headspace gas chromatography with mass spectrometry to detect volatile organic compounds that migrate from microplastics into animal tissues. The technique demonstrated high sensitivity and precision while requiring minimal sample handling. The methodology provides a valuable tool for understanding how chemical compounds associated with microplastics accumulate in living organisms.
Plastic burning: An important global source of atmospheric nanoplastic particles
Researchers conducted smoldering laboratory experiments with PVC, PP, LDPE, PET, and PS plastics and used aerosol mass spectrometry to characterise the physical and chemical properties of nanoplastic particles emitted, finding that plastic burning generates large quantities of nanoplastics and thermo-oxidation products that represent a significant but poorly quantified global source of atmospheric nano-sized plastic particles.
New insights into the photo-degraded polystyrene microplastic: Effect on the release of volatile organic compounds
Researchers investigated how ultraviolet light breaks down polystyrene microplastics and what volatile organic compounds are released during the process. They found that while the physical properties of the microplastics changed only slightly during UV exposure, the particles released a variety of potentially harmful volatile chemicals. The study provides new insights into the secondary pollution risks posed by microplastics as they degrade in the environment.
Fine micro- and nanoplastics particles (PM2.5) in urban air and their relation to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Researchers measured ultrafine micro- and nanoplastics in urban air at the individual polymer level for the first time, finding correlations between airborne plastic particle concentrations and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, suggesting plastics act as carriers for toxic compounds.
Screening of organic chemicals associated to virgin low-density polyethylene microplastic pellets exposed to the Mediterranean Sea environment by combining gas chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Researchers screened organic chemicals that accumulate on virgin low-density polyethylene microplastic pellets exposed to the Mediterranean Sea over eight weeks. Using advanced mass spectrometry techniques, the study identified numerous sorbed contaminants, revealing how microplastics can act as carriers for pollutants in marine environments.
Multi-Analytical Approach to Characterize the Degradation of Different Types of Microplastics: Identification and Quantification of Released Organic Compounds
Researchers studied how temperature and light exposure cause five common types of plastic to degrade and release organic chemical compounds. Using a solar simulation chamber, they tracked the breakdown products over time with multiple analytical techniques. The findings help identify which chemicals are released as plastics weather in the environment, which is important for understanding the secondary pollution caused by microplastic degradation.
Molecular fingerprints of dissolved organic matter leached from microplastics over prolonged photochemical aging: Implications for aquatic carbon cycling
Researchers used ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry to identify the dissolved organic molecules that leach from polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene microplastics after prolonged exposure to sunlight. They found that polystyrene released the most diverse array of molecules, many of which could persist in water systems. The study suggests that as microplastics degrade in sunlight, they release non-natural organic compounds that may affect the aquatic carbon cycle from rivers to oceans.
Size-resolved identification and quantification of micro/nano-plastics in indoor air using pyrolysis gas chromatography-ion mobility mass spectrometry
A novel pyrolysis gas chromatographic cyclic ion mobility mass spectrometer method was developed to identify and quantify micro- and nanoplastics smaller than 1 micrometer in indoor air, finding four common plastic types in tested samples.
Volatile organic compounds generation pathways and mechanisms from microplastics in water: Ultraviolet, chlorine and ultraviolet/chlorine disinfection
Researchers examined how UV, chlorine, and combined UV/chlorine disinfection treatments cause microplastics to release volatile organic compounds, identifying distinct degradation pathways for polypropylene, polystyrene, and PVC that generate diverse chemical byproducts in treated water.
SIFT-MS: Quantifying the Volatiles You Smell…and the Toxics You Don’t
This review covers the applications of selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) for detecting volatile organic compounds in areas ranging from food products to workplace safety and environmental monitoring. The study highlights how SIFT-MS can quantify both odorous and hazardous compounds, including those released from plastic materials, that fall below human detection thresholds.
Nanoplastic ParticleEmissions from Plastic SmolderingCombustion
Researchers characterised nanoplastic particle emissions from the smoldering combustion of five common plastic types, providing the first systematic measurements of particle size distributions and volatile organic compounds from this source. Smoldering produced particles in the nanometre range at significant quantities, identifying open burning of plastic waste as a source of atmospheric nanoplastics.
Nanoplastic Particle Emissions from Plastic Smoldering Combustion
Researchers conducted the first systematic study of nanoplastic particle emissions from smoldering plastic combustion, testing five common plastic types. They found that burning plastics at low temperatures produces significant quantities of airborne nanoplastic particles along with volatile organic compounds. The findings identify smoldering combustion, such as in open waste burning, as a previously uncharacterized source of atmospheric nanoplastic pollution.
Unraveling the fate of microplastic leachable compounds: a fast screening using ambient pressure ionization
Researchers developed a fast screening approach using ambient pressure ionization mass spectrometry to identify leachable chemical compounds released from plastic, micro-, and nanoplastic particles, focusing on additives such as plasticizers that are often overlooked in microplastic pollution research. The study aimed to improve understanding of the chemical hazards associated with plastic-derived compounds beyond the particles themselves.
Pyr-GC-Orbitrap-MS method for the target/untargeted analysis of microplastics in air
Researchers developed a pyrolysis-gas chromatography method coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry for detecting microplastics in air samples. The technique was optimized for ten common plastic polymers and achieved detection limits in the low microgram range. The study demonstrates that this analytical approach can identify both known and unknown plastic polymers in airborne particulate matter.
IdentifyingMicroplastics in Laboratory and AtmosphericAerosol Mixtures via Optical Photothermal Infrared and Raman Microspectroscopy
This study applied optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy to identify microplastics in atmospheric aerosol mixtures, demonstrating that the technique can distinguish plastic particles by polymer type in complex air samples relevant to understanding human inhalation exposure to airborne MPs.
A Review of Weathering Studies in Plastics and Biocomposites—Effects on Mechanical Properties and Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
This review summarizes how plastics and bio-based composite materials degrade when exposed to sunlight, heat, and moisture over time. Researchers found that weathering causes surface cracking, loss of strength, and release of volatile organic compounds, with different polymer types degrading through distinct chemical pathways. The study highlights that understanding these degradation processes is important for predicting the environmental impact and lifespan of both conventional and bio-based plastic materials.
Thermal Desorption and Extraction Coupled With Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry for the Quantification of Polystyrene Nanoplastic in Pak Choi
This methods paper describes a thermal desorption and extraction approach coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for detecting plastic-associated chemicals including plasticizers and flame retardants in environmental samples with high sensitivity.
In situ chemical characterization of airborne nanoplastic particles by aerosol mass spectrometry
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.
Non-targeted analysis for organic components of microplastic leachates
Researchers used non-targeted analysis to identify over 100 organic compounds leaching from five common plastic polymer types in simulated gastric fluid, freshwater, and seawater, finding that leaching medium significantly influenced the chemical profile and that recycled plastics leached distinct compound clusters compared to virgin materials.
Into the Multiverse: Analysis of microplastic leachates using comprehensive multi-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Researchers applied comprehensive multidimensional chromatography to identify the full range of chemical leachates released by plastics and microplastics in marine environments. The multi-technique approach revealed a far larger diversity of leaching compounds than targeted analyses alone would detect.
The Impact of Plastic Products on Air Pollution
This review examined how plastic products contribute to air pollution throughout their entire life cycle, from manufacturing to disposal. Researchers found that plastics release volatile organic compounds during production, generate harmful emissions when incinerated, and contribute airborne microplastic particles as they degrade in the environment.
High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Combined with Reactive Oxygen Species Reveals Differences in Photoreactivity of Dissolved Organic Matter from Microplastic Sources in Aqueous Environments
Researchers analyzed the dissolved organic matter that different types of microplastics release into water and how it reacts with sunlight. Plastics with aromatic structures like polystyrene and PET released compounds that broke down faster and generated more reactive oxygen species than polyethylene or polypropylene. Understanding how different plastics chemically alter water quality is important because these released compounds and reactive species can affect aquatic life and the safety of water sources used by people.