TY - JOUR A1 - Wiesner, Yosri A1 - Bednarz, Marius A1 - Braun, Ulrike A1 - Bannick, Claus Gerhard A1 - Ricking, Mathias A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - A promising approach to monitor microplastic masses in composts N2 - Inputs of plastic impurities into the environment via the application of fertilizers are regulated in Germany and the EU by means of ordinances. Robust and fast analytical methods are the basis of legal regulations. Currently, only macro- and large microplastic contents (>1 mm) are measured. Microplastics (1–1,000 µm), are not yet monitored. Thermal analytical methods are suitable for this purpose, which can determine the mass content and can also be operated fully automatically in routine mode. Thermal extraction desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS) allows the identification of polymers and the determination of mass contents in solid samples from natural environments. In accordance with the German or European Commission (EC) Fertiliser Ordinance, composting plants should be monitored for microplastic particles with this method in the future. In this context a compost plant was sampled. At the end of the rotting process, the compost was sieved and separated in a coarse (>1 mm) and a fine fraction (<1 mm). The fine fraction was processed using density separation comparing NaCl and NaI as possible salt alternative and screened for microplastic masses by TED-GC/MS with additional validation and quality assurance experiments. With TED-GC/MS total microplastics mass contents of 1.1–3.0 μg/mg in finished compost could be detected with polyethylene mainly. What differs much to the total mass of plastics in the coarse fraction with up to 60 μg/mg, which were visually searched, identified via ATR-FTIR and gravimetrically weighted. KW - Microplastics KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Compost KW - Monitoring KW - Soil PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-586688 DO - https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvc.2023.1281558 SN - 2673-4486 VL - 4 SP - 1 EP - 12 PB - Frontiers Media CY - Lausanne AN - OPUS4-58668 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Putzu, Mara A1 - Barbaresi, Marta A1 - Fadda, Marta A1 - Sacco, Alessio A1 - Piergiovanni, Maurizio A1 - Masino, Matteo A1 - Bianchi, Federica A1 - Altmann, Korinna A1 - Benismail, Nizar A1 - Coïc, Laureen A1 - Fenoglio, Ivana A1 - Mattarozzi, Monica A1 - Rossi, Andrea Mario A1 - Careri, Maria A1 - Giovannozzi, Andrea Mario T1 - Accuracy assessment of a micro-Raman spectroscopy method for small microplastic particles in infant milk formula N2 - The presence of microplastics (MPs) in the food chain is increasingly documented, raising concerns over potential risks to human health. Despite growing efforts, standardized methods for MPs detection in food matrices remain limited. This study presents an interlaboratory comparison (ILC) aimed at assessing the accuracy and comparability of an analytical approach for the identification and quantification of small MPs (5–100 μm) in infant milk powder using μ-Raman spectroscopy and a representative polyethylene terephthalate (PET) reference material (RM). The RM, formulated as water-soluble tablets, was designed to replicate the morphology, size distribution, and polymer composition of environmentally relevant MPs, and was previously assessed for homogeneity and stability for mass fraction and particle numbers. The approach was assessed using two PET RM batches with different MPs particle numbers (high load batch: 1759 ± 141 MPs; low load batch: 160 ± 22 MPs), subjected to an enzymatic–chemical digestion, followed by μ-Raman analysis performed independently in two laboratories with different instruments and operators. Results are reported as absolute particle counts per analyzed sample and demonstrated excellent recovery across all size classes, including the smallest particles (down to 5 μm), with recovery rates ranging from 82 % to 88 %, in good agreement with the RM reference values. The analytical approach proved to be robust, reproducible, and suitable for low-level MPs quantification in complex food matrices, supporting ongoing efforts toward method harmonization and standardization for reliable MPs monitoring in the food sector. KW - Microplastics KW - Milk KW - Raman microspectroscopy PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-646239 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talo.2025.100586 SN - 2666-8319 VL - 12 SP - 1 EP - 8 PB - Elsevier B.V. AN - OPUS4-64623 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Monikh, Fazel A. A1 - Materić, Dušan A1 - Valsami-Jones, Eugenia A1 - Grossart, Hans-Peter A1 - Altmann, Korinna A1 - Holzinger, Rupert A1 - Lynch, Iseult A1 - Stubenrauch, Jessica A1 - Peijnenburg, Willie T1 - Challenges in studying microplastics in human brain N2 - Human exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) is an emerging concern with potential implications for health. As awareness of this issue grows, it has prompted increasing scientific attention toward understanding if, and how, MNPs accumulate in human tissues. In a recent study, Nihart et al.1 used the analytical technique of pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC–MS) to detect MNPs in human liver, kidney and brain, reporting the highest concentrations in the brain, with polyethylene as the predominant polymer. The study as reported appears to face methodological challenges, such as limited contamination controls and lack of validation steps, which May affect the reliability of the reported concentrations. In this Matters Arising, we highlight methodological limitations that have General relevance for advancing robust and reproducible MNP detection in human biomonitoring studies. KW - Microplastics KW - Nanoplastics KW - Py-GC-MS PY - 2025 DO - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-025-04045-3 SN - 1078-8956 VL - 31 IS - 12 SP - 1 EP - 3 PB - Springer Science and Business Media LLC AN - OPUS4-64698 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Visileanu, Emilia A1 - Altmann, Korinna A1 - Stepa, Raluca A1 - Haiducu, Maria A1 - Miclea, Paul Tiberiu A1 - Vladu, Alina A1 - Dondea, Felicia A1 - Grosu, Marian Catalin A1 - Scarlat, Razvan T1 - Comparative Analysis of Airborne Particle Concentrations in Textile Industry Environments Throughout the Workday N2 - This paper addresses the growing concern surrounding microplastic pollution, particularly within the textile industry, and the associated potential health risks linked to the inhalation and ingestion of microplastic particles. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than five millimeters, are increasingly found not only in aquatic environments, but also in soils, air, and food. Although research on the health impacts of microplastics is still emerging, early studies indicate that these particles could contribute to health issues, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases. Notably, individuals with higher concentrations of plastics in arterial plaques are more susceptible to heart attacks and strokes. In the textile industry, synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic release microplastics into the air during production. The paper discusses a study conducted in a textile company that processes polyester yarns, where airborne microplastic concentrations were measured at various locations throughout the day. Particle sizes ranging from 0.3 nm to 10 nm were analyzed, revealing the presence of polyester polymers in the particulate matter. These findings underscore the widespread nature of microplastic pollution, particularly in industrial settings, and raise concerns about the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to airborne microplastics. While further research is necessary to fully understand the extent of these health impacts, preliminary data suggest a troubling link between microplastic inhalation and cardiovascular conditions. KW - Microplastics KW - Textiles KW - Airborne particles PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-635269 DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics4020034 SN - 2673-8929 VL - 4 IS - 2 SP - 1 EP - 17 PB - MDPI AG AN - OPUS4-63526 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Wiesner, Yosri A1 - Altmann, Korinna A1 - Braun, U. T1 - Determination of Microplastic Mass Content by Thermal Extraction Desorption Gas Chromatography– Mass Spectrometry N2 - The scientific and practical challenge of detecting microplastics (MPs) in the environment in a targeted and rapid manner is solved by innovative coupling of thermogravimetric analysis with mass spectrometric methods. Fast identification and quantitative determination of most thermoplastic polymers and elastomers is possible by using thermal extraction Desorption gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TED-GC–MS). KW - Microplastics KW - Mikroplastik KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Microplastics analytic KW - Mikroplastik Massegehalt PY - 2021 VL - 17 IS - 3 SP - 2 EP - 7 PB - MultiMedia (UK) LLC CY - Cranbury AN - OPUS4-52570 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Miclea, P-T T1 - Evaluation of Toxicological Characteristics of Airborne Nano/Microplastic Particles From the Industrial Environment N2 - Micro and nano plastic (MNPs) particles and fibres represent a global scale contamination source with hazard potential. They can be identified all around our environment, even in air, soil and water. One of the major global MNPs polluters is the textile industry, which generates plastic particles (nylon, polyester, polyurethane, polyolefin, acrylic etc.) during the manufacturing processes. The study analyses the level of particle concentration outside a company that processes textile yarns, but also from the proximity of workplaces using an online air samplers with cascade and mono filter holders for silicon (Si) and quartz filters, respectively. A laser detector was used for real- time counting of particles of six size classes (PM0.3-PM10). Silicon (Si) filters with a diameter of 9 mm and pore sizes of 10 µm and 1 µm and quartz filters with a diameter of 25 mm and a pore size of 1.2 µm were used for particle sampling. A special holder was designed and made for selective sampling (PM10 and PM1.0) on Si filters. Quartz filters were pre-calcined (8000C) before collection. Sampling parameters: airflow (GilAir Plus pump) -2 l/m3, collection time -3 hours; starting time 7.00 am (T1)/2.00 pm (T2), intermittent natural ventilation, average temperature and humidity: 23.3 0C, RH: 52.5%. The weight of particles collected (µg) on the quart filters was 4.9E-05 (T1) and 5.1E-05 (T2) and on the Si filters 3,2 E-05(T1) and 5E-06(T2). The total number of the outside particles (PM0,3-PM10) was situated between 3584,58 (T1)-15165,05(T2) and inside 9901(T1) and 12921,61(T2). The highest number of PM 10 particles inside was 72/m3 and of PM0.3 particles 71979/m3. The samples were characterized using electron microscopy and µRaman spectroscopy. All samples showed a high concentration of particles on the filter. Samples show only particles with irregular shapes. The equivalent particle diameter was for PM10: 1-5 µm and PM1<1 µm. The total Ion Chromatogram shows the presence of PET-type polymer and the TED GS-MS analysis shows that the weight of the collected particles is PET. After extracting the particles from the quartz filters, they were tested for evaluation of the cytotoxic potential of preparations on human monocyte-macrophage cell cultures and peripheral lymphocytes. In the first case, the level of cytotoxicity was at the border between non-cytotoxic and cytotoxic and in the second test the result was moderate cytotoxic. T2 - SETAC Europe 2025 CY - Vienna, Austria DA - 11.05.2025 KW - Microplastics KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Nanoplastics KW - Raman microscopy PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63378 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schütz, Désirée A.-M. T1 - Feasibility Study on the Adsorption of Environmental Contaminants onto Fresh and Aged Microplastics N2 - Microplastics (MPs) refer to plastic particles, fibers, or beads with sizes ranging from 100 nm to 5 mm in size. Their pervasive distribution as environmental contaminants have escalated into a significant global concern. Primary MPs are intentionally produced particles for industrial and commercial applications, such as exfoliants in personal care and cosmetic formulations. In contrast, secondary MPs are generated through the fragmentation and degradation of larger plastic materials, due to environmental weathering processes. [1] Due to their high surface area-to-volume ratio and hydrophobic nature, MPs have the potential to serve as vectors for the accumulation and transport of diverse organic contaminants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), as well as trace metals such as silver, cadmium, chromium, and copper. In the environmental, MPs are subject to aging processes driven by factors such as temperature, ultraviolet radiation, oxygen, and chemical interactions with environmental toxins. This aging can induce significant alterations in their physicochemical properties, which, in turn, can affect the adsorption behavior. [2] Classical and alternative analytical methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ambient desorption/ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry (ADI-HR-MS) can help to study the adsorption potential. ADI-HR-MS allows rapid sample analysis with minimal preparation, providing results in under a minute, much faster than traditional chromatographic techniques. [3] This study aims to investigate the influence of aging and particle size on the ability of microplastics to act as vectors for environmental contaminants. Microplastics were prepared in-house and subjected to controlled aging conditions for 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours. Subsequently, the aged MPs were exposed in plastic-free containers to model solutions to simulate co-contaminants in the environment. Adsorption onto synthesized secondary microplastics, varying in size and aging status, was investigated at different time intervals with ambient MS and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. T2 - ANAKON 2025 CY - Leipzig, Germany DA - 10.03.2025 KW - Mass Spectrometry KW - FAPA-MS KW - Microplastics KW - TOF-SIMS KW - Surface Analysis PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63606 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schütz, Désirée A.-M. T1 - Feasibility Study on the Adsorption of Environmental Contaminants onto Fresh and Aged Microplastics N2 - Microplastics (MPs) refer to plastic particles, fibers, or beads with sizes ranging from 100 nm to 5 mm in size. Their pervasive distribution as environmental contaminants have escalated into a significant global concern. Primary MPs are intentionally produced particles for industrial and commercial applications, such as exfoliants in personal care and cosmetic formulations. In contrast, secondary MPs are generated through the fragmentation and degradation of larger plastic materials, due to environmental weathering processes. [1] Due to their high surface area-to-volume ratio and hydrophobic nature, MPs have the potential to serve as vectors for the accumulation and transport of diverse organic contaminants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), as well as trace metals such as silver, cadmium, chromium, and copper. In the environmental, MPs are subject to aging processes driven by factors such as temperature, ultraviolet radiation, oxygen, and chemical interactions with environmental toxins. This aging can induce significant alterations in their physicochemical properties, which, in turn, can affect the adsorption behavior. [2] Classical and alternative analytical methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ambient desorption/ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry (ADI-HR-MS) can help to study the adsorption potential. ADI-HR-MS allows rapid sample analysis with minimal preparation, providing results in under a minute, much faster than traditional chromatographic techniques. [3] This study aims to investigate the influence of aging and particle size on the ability of microplastics to act as vectors for environmental contaminants. Microplastics were prepared in-house and subjected to controlled aging conditions for 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours. Subsequently, the aged MPs were exposed in plastic-free containers to model solutions to simulate co-contaminants in the environment. Adsorption onto synthesized secondary microplastics, varying in size and aging status, was investigated at different time intervals with ambient MS and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. T2 - 56th Annual Conference of the DGMS CY - Göttingen, Germany DA - 04.03.2025 KW - FAPA-MS KW - Mass Spectrometry KW - Microplastics KW - Surface Analysis KW - TOF-SIMS PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63644 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Oksal-Kilinc, Sefine A1 - Altmann, Korinna A1 - Seiwert, Bettina A1 - Reemtsma, Thorsten A1 - Ruess, Liliane T1 - Grinding method and oxidative aging modulate the impact of tire wear microplastics on the reproduction of the nematode C. elegans N2 - Rationale Tire abrasion is one of the largest sources of microplastic in aquatic and terrestrial environments. Despite this fact, research on tire wear microplastic (TWP) and its effects on soil ecosystems is scarce, especially regarding natural weathering processes. This leaves a large knowledge gap on the interactions of TWP with soil biota. Methodology Cryo-milled tire tread (CMTT) and diamond-ground tire tread (DGTT) were artificially weathered through dry ozone treatment and heat exposure. Particles were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy, particle size distribution, and shape characterization. TWP leachate composition was examined using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The impact on the reproduction of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a widely used toxicological model, was tested for leachate concentration, exposure duration and TWP aging status, using offspring per adult as the endpoint. Results The comminution method significantly influenced TWP particle size distribution, with diamond grinding yielding smaller particles and a more structured surface morphology than cryo-milling. Aging with ozone (180 min) and heat (20 min at 100 °C) reduced DGTT particle sizes by 27-58%, but not in CMTT. Additionally, aging increased carboxylic functional groups and led to a brittle structure in both TWP types. Leachate composition varied with comminution method and aging. Benzothiazole, N-Cyclo-N-phenylurea, and aniline were more abundant in pristine and aged CMTT and aged DGTT. Diphenylguanidine had the highest concentration in all leachates. Aged TWP leachates, regardless of comminution, had significant toxic effects on C. elegans. Leachate from pristine CMTT was more toxic than from pristine DGTT. Nematode offspring correlated negatively with ozone exposure duration in aged DGTT. Tests with aged CMTT leachate showed even short-term exposure reduced offspring numbers. Discussion The results underscore the importance of oxidative and mechanical weathering in TWP toxicity and challenge the use of pristine particles in toxicological assays for risk assessment in the natural environment. KW - Microplastics KW - Tire abrasion KW - Environment PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-654672 DO - https://doi.org/10.1071/EN25051 SN - 1448-2517 VL - 23 IS - 2 SP - 1 EP - 16 PB - CSIRO Publishing AN - OPUS4-65467 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Harmonisation efforts of the CUSP projects N2 - The talk is about harmonisation approaches within CUSP. First the five H2020 projects for research on risk assessment regarding microplastics topic were presented. Secondly, harmonisation process were discussed. T2 - VAMAS SC 47 Meeting CY - Turin, Italy DA - 19.10.2022 KW - Microplastics KW - Harmonisation KW - Nanoplastics KW - H2020 KW - Risk assessment PY - 2022 AN - OPUS4-56077 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -