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Isotope ratio mass spectrometry and spectroscopic techniques for microplastics characterization
Citation:
Birch, Q., P. Potter, P. Pinto, D. Dionysiou, AND Souhail R. Al-Abed. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry and spectroscopic techniques for microplastics characterization. TALANTA. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, 224:121743, (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121743
Impact/Purpose:
Nano and microplastics (N&MPs) in the environment result from the direct release of nano- (< 100 nm) and micro-sized (< 5 mm and ≥ 100 nm) plastic particles and degradation of larger plastic debris. The absence of standard methods to characterize and quantify N&MPs in environmental and biological matrices has hindered progress in understanding their sources, distribution, and impact. Hence, the development and standardization of methods is needed to establish their potential environmental and human health risks. To this end, we investigated stable carbon isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), attenuated total reflectance - Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, and micro-Raman spectroscopy (µ-Raman) as complementary techniques for characterization of common plastics. The ability of IRMS to distinguish weathered samples was also investigated using the simulated weathering conditions of ultraviolet (UV) light and heat. This research may be used by EPA's Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP), Consumer Protection and Safety Commission (CPSC), and National Institute of Occupational of Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Description:
Micro- and nano-scale plastic particles in the environment result from their direct release and degradation of larger plastic debris. Relative to macro-sized plastics, these small particles are of special concern due to their potential impact on marine, freshwater, and terrestrial systems. While microplastic (MP) pollution has been widely studied in geographic regions globally, many questions remain about its origins. It is assumed that urban environments are the main contributors but systematic studies are lacking. The absence of standard methods to characterize and quantify MPs and smaller particles in environmental and biological matrices has hindered progress in understanding their geographic origins and sources, distribution, and impact. Hence, the development and standardization of methods is needed to establish the potential environmental and human health risks. In this study, we investigated stable carbon isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), attenuated total reflectance - Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, and micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-Raman) as complementary techniques for characterization of common plastics. Plastic items selected for comparative analysis included food packaging, containers, straws, and polymer pellets.
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DOI: Isotope ratio mass spectrometry and spectroscopic techniques for microplastics characterization
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