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 - Wiesner, Yosri A1 - Eisentraut, Paul A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - One Year Observation of Microplastic Concentrations in the River Rhine N2 - In recent years, the quantification of microplastics (MP) in aquatic environments has gained increasing attention, particularly regarding their environmental distribution and potential exposure levels. Environmentally relevant exposure data are still essential for a realistic risk assessment of the harmful health potential of microplastics in freshwater systems. This study addresses a large data set of MP concentrations analyzed and processed under statistical aspects and provides mass concentrations as well as associated size fractions of the detected MP. Over a 12 month period, samples were collected at three locations and analyzed across three particle size fractions (100−500 μm, 50−100 μm, and 10−50 μm) using thermalextraction desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS). The most prevalent polymers identified were polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), styrene−butadiene rubber (SBR), and natural rubber (NR). Statistical analyses, including principal component and cluster analysis, revealed size-dependent patterns,minor seasonal variation and spatial variations. These findings are particularly significant for ecotoxicological research and regulatory development, especially regarding tire abrasion a rarely quantified but potentially harmful MP source. The study contributes aluable data for future environmental monitoring and supports EU directives on wastewater and drinking water quality KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Microplastics KW - Environment KW - Monitoring KW - Reference data PY - 2026 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-654669 DO - https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestwater.5c00530 SN - 2690-0637 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - American Chemical Society (ACS) AN - OPUS4-65466 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Textile Fibers as Reference Materials for Microplastic Release N2 - Fibers of textile origin are named as high contributor for microplastic pollution in the environment next to e.g. plastics from packaging, tire wear and paints. Small fibers and fragments (microplastics: 1-1000 µm) can be released from textiles by mechanical abrasion during application (e.g. wearing) or washing. To date, the occurrence, transport pathways, and impacts of such small fibers on the environment and human health remain unclear. The European Commission revised the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/3019) and made monitoring of microplastics mandatory in the next years. Additionally, standards for microplastic detection are developed in the ISO standardization body ISO/TC 147/SC 2 with the documents ISO/DIS 16094-2 and ISO/DIS 16094-3. Detection mainly occurs by thermoanalytical methods for mass or vibrational methods with microscopes for numbers. Such standards and regulatory efforts need validated methods, which themselves need reference materials for validation. Reference materials are well characterized materials that are produced for a specific purpose and are homogeneous and stable within one property of interest. The shape and the composition of the reference particles/fibers will affect the detection, hence it is important to validate the instruments with fibers, if this is the task for monitoring campaigns. This work describes the production of realistic fibers as reference material for microplastic analysis. The individual samples contain of a small number (< 1000) and mass (< 20 µm) of fibres. Homogeneity and stability control occurred by thermogravimetric analysis and µ-Raman. Further characteristics were determined for type, shape and size distribution. T2 - TEXTEH CY - Bucharest, Romania DA - 23.10.2025 KW - Microplastics KW - Reference materials KW - Microfibers KW - Microfiber release PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-64620 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - RPRT A1 - Kittner, Maria A1 - Altmann, Korinna A1 - Hamann, Sven A1 - Weyer, Rüdiger A1 - Kalbe, Ute T1 - Bewertung der Freisetzung von Mikroplastik aus Sportböden auf Kunststoffbasis - Abschlussbericht N2 - Die Europäische Kommission hat 2023 ein Verbot zum bewussten Austrag von Mikroplastik (MP) in die Umwelt beschlossen, das auch für die Verwendung von synthetischen Gummi-Granulaten (v. a. EPDM) in Sportböden gilt. In Deutschland gibt es laut DFB ca. 5100 Kunstrasenplätze. In der EU beläuft sich die Anzahl laut ECHA auf 13,000 Kunstrasen- und 47,000 Bolzplätze, Tendenz steigend. Das Hauptziel des Projektes war es daher, eine Massenbilanz für die Freisetzung von MP zu erstellen, um so eine Schätzung des MP-Austrags pro Kunstrasenplatz und Jahr zu ermöglichen. Dafür werden die MP-Emissionen von drei Kunstrasenszenarien in verschiedenen Zuständen (ungealtert, künstlich gealtert und in Echtzeit gealtert) verglichen: die Vergangenheit (Kunstrasen: fossilbasiert, EPDM-Füllung), die Gegenwart (der in Europa am häufigsten installierte Rasen) und die Zukunft (Rasen mit recycelten Grasfasern, keine synthetische Füllung sondern z.B. Quarzsand oder Korkschrott). Dazu werden fabrikneue Kunststoffrasen und EPDM-Granulat unter Laborbedingungen beschleunigt gealtert, um die Freiland-Beanspruchung eines Kunststoffrasens in circa 15 Jahren abzubilden. Die Verwendung spezieller Mikrofiltertiegel in Lysimeter-Experimenten ermöglicht die Abschätzung der Partikelgrößen des emittierten MP, was eine Grundbedingung für die Bewertung einer potenziellen Gesundheitsgefährdung für Menschen ist. Ergänzend wurden weitere umweltrelevante Schadstoffausträge aus den Kunststoffrasen quantifiziert. KW - Mikroplastik KW - Kunststoffrasen KW - Schadstoffe KW - Bewitterung KW - Lysimeter PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-633114 DO - https://doi.org/10.26272/opus4-63311 N1 - Das Projekt wurde gefördert vom Bundesinstitut für Bau-, Stadt- und Raumforschung (BBSR) im Auftrag des Bundesministeriums für Wohnen, Stadtentwicklung und Bauwesen (BMWSB) aus Mitteln des Innovationsprogramms Zukunft Bau. Aktenzeichen: FKZ 10.08.18.7-22.02. Projektlaufzeit: 09.2022 bis 03.2025. SP - 1 EP - 75 PB - Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) CY - Berlin AN - OPUS4-63311 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Visileanu, Emilia A1 - Catalin Grosu, Marian A1 - Tiberiu Miclea, Paul A1 - Altmann, Korinna A1 - Brossell, Dirk T1 - Methods for the collection and characterization of airborne particles in the textile industry N2 - Airborne particulate matter is one of the main air pollutants. Their impact on mortality, and the occurrence of pulmonary and cardiovascular complications, have been the subject of numerous studies. Airborne particles are complex mixtures of organic and inorganic substances from different sources of particle emissions. Particulate Matter (PM) particles are classified according to their aerodynamic diameter expressed in µm and can vary from coarse (PM 10) to fine (less than PM 2.5). These diameter considerations are fundamental because they condition the penetration of particles into the bronchopulmonary system and the body. In recent years, there has been an interest in so-called “ultra-fine” particles, with a diameter of 0.1 µm (or 100 nm), or PM 0.1. They are nanoparticles and their impact on human health is not yet clear.With more than 1.5 million employees, textiles and clothing is a diverse sector that plays an important role in the European manufacturing industry, producing a turnover of €162 billion.An important component of the solid particles that generate air pollution in the textile industry is microplastics (MP) and nano plastics (NP), which also include microfibers (<5mm) and nanofibers (<100 nm), respectively. The particles released into the air during fiber and yarn processing range from 1 µg/m3 to 50 µg/m3.The paper presents the results of the determination of indoor and outdoor air concentration levels in textile companies, to identify the areas with the highest concentration level, by using an online recording system such as the Laser Aerosol Spectrometer MINI LAS model 11-E. The total concentration level TSP (µg/m3), the fractions PM 10(µg/m3), PM 2.5(µg/m3), PM1(µg/m3), as well as the total number of particles TC (1/l), were shown. It was noted that TSP is approximately at the same level both indoors and outdoors, but the fractions of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 have much higher values indoors than outdoors with possible consequences on workers' health.The next step was the collection of fibers, namely micro and nano plastic particles from the vicinity of the workplaces of polyester, polyamide, and polypropylene fibers processing units in the textile industry in Romania, to obtain a sufficient quantity for laboratory analysis to determine the size and shape of the particles as well as their chemical composition. Two types of pumps were used, differentiated by their operating parameters: TECORA SKYPOST with airflow of 38 l/min and GILAIRPLUS with airflow 2l/min. Filters made of different materials with different diameters and pore sizes were used, namely: quartz filters (ø 47 mm, and ø 37 mm) on a TECORA SKYPOST type pump, polycarbonate nucleopore coated with a gold membrane (ø 25 mm) and silica filter (ø 9 mm) on GILAIRPLUS type pump.Using descriptive statistics, the calculation of correlation coefficients highlighted a strong correlation between the variables: "Collected mass/ Air concentration" and "Collected mass/ Air volume" for all diameters of the filters.The highest collected particle volume, determined by weighing the filters before and after collection, was obtained with the quartz filters (ø 47 mm) at an airflow of 38 l/min. The particles collected (polyester, polyamide, polypropylene) in the first stage were analyzed by SEM and thermogravimetric and it was found that the quartz filters absorbed the particles inside, with very few remaining on the surface. Thus no known methods can be used to perform analysis for particles collected on quartz filters. The number of particles on the filters was insufficient for analysis either because of the collection parameters used or because of the loss of particles during transport. As a result, in the next step, the use of 9 mm Si filters using the GILAIRPLUS pump at an airflow rate of 2l/min was chosen.To improve the transport conditions and avoid the loss of the particles and keep them on the surface of the filters, two methods were applied:- after weighing the filters were reintroduced into the collection pump holder;- a filtration system for airborne micro-nano plastics was designed and manufactured to selectively collect and transport PM10 and PM1 particles collected on SI filters.In both cases, SEM, Raman mapping, and GS-MS microscopy were used for analysis.Several times more PM10 than PM1 (74.5µg compared to 12.5 µg) was found. In all cases, both particles and fibers showed the same Raman fingerprint.The GS-MS analyses showed some contamination of the workspaces with particles other than the processed fibers. The presence of non-notifiable substances was also observed.The most viable filters are Si filters with a pore size of 10 microns to 1 micron and the use of the selected collection and transport filter system. In the following a filter system will be applied for collection on Au membrane-coated polycarbonate filters. T2 - 5th International Conference on Human Systems Engineering and Design: Future Trends and Applications (IHSED 2023) KW - Microplastics KW - Textiles PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-624442 DO - https://doi.org/10.54941/ahfe1004132 VL - 112 SP - 212 EP - 223 PB - AHFE International AN - OPUS4-62444 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Dittmar, Stefan A1 - Weyrauch, Steffen A1 - Reemtsma, Thorsten A1 - Eisentraut, Paul A1 - Altmann, Korinna A1 - Ruhl, Aki S. A1 - Jekel, Martin T1 - Settling Velocities of Tire and Road Wear Particles: Analyzing Finely Graded Density Fractions of Samples from a Road Simulator and a Highway Tunnel N2 - The terminal settling velocity is considered the most critical parameter determining the transport of tire and road wear particles (TRWP) in aquatic environments. Nonetheless, no respective empirical data has been reported so far. In this study, particle samples from a road simulator and a highway tunnel were investigated with a validated imaging method. Different density and size fractions of both samples were measured separately, acquiring sizes and settling velocities of more than 30,000 individual particles. In addition, tire marker polymers were analyzed for each fraction via thermal extraction desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Finally, the acquired particle data was combined according to the fractions’ estimated tire contents in order to deduce detailed probability distributions of particle size and settling velocity for the actual TRWP from both samples. Weighted by TRWP-incorporated tire mass, median diameters of 54 and 44 μm as well as median settling velocities of 0.65 and 0.22 mm/s were found for TRWP from the road simulator and highway tunnel, respectively. This study thus provides the first ever empirical data on TRWP settling velocities in water, which can be highly valuable input for modeling the environmental transport of TRWP and for dimensioning TRWP retention systems. KW - Microplastics KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Sinking velocities KW - Transport PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-635449 DO - https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5c04165 SN - 0013-936X VL - 59 IS - 26 SP - 13434 EP - 13446 PB - American Chemical Society (ACS) AN - OPUS4-63544 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 - Fink, Friedrich A1 - Stawski, Tomasz M. A1 - Emmerling, Franziska A1 - Falkenhagen, Jana T1 - A novel machine-learning approach to unlock technical lignin classification by NIR spectroscopy - bench to handheld N2 - In this research, the utilization of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in conjunction with advanced machine learning methods is investigated for categorizing technical lignins obtained from different biomass sources and industrial procedures. Technical lignins, such as kraft, organosolv and lignosulfonates, have different chemical compositions, which continue to make uniform characterization and application in sustainable sectors extremely difficult. Fast, universally accessible analytics combined with data analysis is still an open question. For the first time three distinct NIR spectrometers—a high-performance benchtop system, a mid-priced compact device, and an economical handheld unit—were utilized to record NIR spectra of 31 unique lignin samples. The spectra underwent pre-processing through standard normal variate (SNV) transformation and Savitzky-Golay derivatives to amplify spectral features and decrease noise. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to reduce data complexity and extract crucial characteristics for classification purposes. Subsequently, four machine learning algorithms—Support Vector Machines (SVM), Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB), Gaussian Process Classification (GPC), and Decision Tree Classification (DTC)—were implemented for the classification of the lignin samples. The DTC model exhibited the highest accuracy among them across different spectrometers. Although the benchtop spectrometer produced the most precise outcomes, the compact NeoSpectra system also displayed potential as a cost-efficient option. Nonetheless, the restricted spectral coverage of the handheld NIRONE spectrometer resulted in reduced classification accuracy. Our discoveries highlight the capability of NIR spectroscopy, combined with robust data analysis techniques, for the swift and non-destructive classification of technical lignins, facilitating their improved utilization in sustainable fields. KW - Technical lignins KW - NIR spectroscopy KW - Classification KW - Machine-learning KW - PCA PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-634518 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemolab.2025.105467 SN - 0169-7439 VL - 264 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Elsevier B.V. CY - Amsterdam AN - OPUS4-63451 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - 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 - Müller, Axel A1 - Altmann, Korinna A1 - Kocher, B. A1 - Braun, U. T1 - Determination of tire wear markers in soil samples and their distribution in a roadside soil N2 - Tire wear (TW) constitutes a significant source of microplastic in terrestrial ecosystems. It is known that particles emitted by roads can have an effect up to 100 m into adjacent areas. Here, we apply for the first-time thermal extraction desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS) to determine TW in soil samples by detection of thermal decomposition products of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), without additional enrichment. Additionally, zinc contents were determined as an elemental marker for TW. Mixed soil samples were taken along three transects along a German motorway in 0.3, 2.0, and 5.0 m distance from the road. Sampling depths were 0–2, 2–5, 5–10, and 10–20 cm. Four fine fractions, 1 000–500, 500–100, 100–50, and <50 μm, were analyzed. TW contents based on SBR ranged from 155 to 15 898 mg kg−1. TW contents based on zinc were between 413 and 44 812 mg kg−1. Comparison of individual values of SBR and zinc reveals SBR as a more specific marker. Results confirm that most TW ends up in the topsoil within a 2 m distance. The sampling strategy resulted in representative data for a larger area. Standard deviations of quadruple TED-GC/MS determination of SBR were <10% for all grain size fractions. TED-GC/MS is a suitable analytical tool for determining TW in soil samples without the use of toxic chemicals, enrichment, or special sample preparation. KW - Microplastic KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Tire wear PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-543344 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133653 VL - 294 SP - 1 EP - 8 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-54334 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Senges, Gene A1 - de Oliveira Guilherme Buzanich, Ana A1 - Lindič, Tilen A1 - Gully, Tyler A. A1 - Winter, Marlon A1 - Radtke, Martin A1 - Röder, Bettina A1 - Steinhauer, Simon A1 - Paulus, Beate A1 - Emmerling, Franziska A1 - Riedel, Sebastian T1 - Unravelling highly oxidized nickel centers in the anodic black film formed during the Simons process by in situ X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy N2 - The electrofluorination after Simons has been used for the last century to produce everyday life materials. An in situ XANES investigation of the controversially debated black film apparent in the Simons process revealed high-valent nickel centers. KW - Synchrotron KW - BAMline KW - XANES PY - 2024 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-608366 DO - https://doi.org/10.1039/d3sc06081k SN - 2041-6520 VL - 15 IS - 12 SP - 4504 EP - 4509 PB - Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) AN - OPUS4-60836 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 - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Seasonal microplastic concentrations along the rivers Rhine and Danube N2 - Over the last 20 years, many researchers, politicians and citizens have become increasingly aware of the growing plastic problem of our time. A lack of recycling concepts and plastic collection points as well as careless dumping lead to accumulation of plastic products in the environment. Natural weathering can cause these plastics to degrade and fractionate, meaning that microplastics (1 1,000 µm, ISO/TR 21960:2020) and nanoplastics (< 1 µm, ISO/TR 21960:2020) of various synthetic polymer materials can now be detected in all parts of the world. Whether microplastics or nanoplastics pose a toxicological hazard is being investigated in a variety of ways. Valid results are still pending. However, the EU precautionary principle applies to micro- and nanoplastics. Monitoring of microplastics is already required in the revision of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Framework Directive. Reliable monitoring of rivers can be carried out by sampling with sedimentation boxes and microplastic detection by using thermal extraction desorption gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS) in routine operation (Figure 1). The river Rhine was sampled for microplastic masses at three different sampling locations over a period of one year and in addition the Danube at randomized sampling locations The TED-GC/MS results showed that various synthetic polymers frequently produced in industry, such as polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene as well as the tire compound styrene-butadiene rubber were found. The work not only shows a possible workflow for monitoring concepts, but also provides information on environmentally relevant concentrations of microplastics and tire components in surface waters. This in turn is necessary for ecotoxicological studies. T2 - ESOPS CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 09.09.2024 KW - Microplastics KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Polymer 3R PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-61016 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Béalu, Zoé A1 - Walther, Johanna A1 - Abusafia, Attaallah A1 - Altmann, Korinna A1 - Meurer, Maren A1 - Gretzschel, Oliver A1 - Schäfer, Michael A1 - Steinmetz, Heidrun T1 - Removal of Organic Micropollutants and Microplastics via Ozonation Followed by Granular Activated Carbon Filtration N2 - Discharge from Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) can result in the emission of organic micropollutants (OMPs) and microplastics (MPs) into the aquatic environment. To prevent this harmful release, a pilot plant consisting of an ozonation followed by a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter was operated at a WWTP in Germany, and its side-effects on the concentrations of nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) compounds were measured. Over 80% of OMPs and transformation products were removed during the operating time (around 6000 bed volumes) no matter the ozone dose (from around 0.1 to 0.5 mgO3/mgDOC), except for Diatrizoic acid, whose breakthrough appeared at 3500 BV. Formation of the oxidation by-product, NDMA, increased with higher ozone doses, but the concentration remained below 100 ng/L. Bromate was formed at a higher ozone dose (0.4 mgO3/mgDOC) but at a low concentration—below 10 µg/L. The MP particles detected in the inflow (PE, SBR, PP, and PS) were effectively eliminated to a high degree, with a removal rate of at least 92%. Carbon parameters (COD, DOC, and SAC254) were removed further by the pilot plant, but to different extents. As expected, nitrate was formed during ozonation, while nitrite’s concentration decreased. Further, nitrite decreased and nitrate increased within the GAC filter, while ammonium was eliminated by at least 90%. Total P concentration decreased after the pilot, but the concentration of PO4-P increased. KW - Microplastics KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Granular Activated Carbon Filtration KW - Removal of Organic Micropollutants KW - Wastewater treatment plant PY - 2024 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-615209 DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11110241 VL - 11 IS - 11 SP - 1 EP - 38 PB - MDPI AG AN - OPUS4-61520 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Fadda, Marta A1 - Sacco, Alessio A1 - Altmann, Korinna A1 - Ciornii, Dmitri A1 - Milczewski, Frank A1 - Bañares, Miguel A. A1 - Portela, Raquel A1 - Giovannozzi, Andrea Mario A1 - Rossi, Andrea Mario T1 - Tracking nanoplastics in drinking water: a new frontier with the combination of dielectrophoresis and Raman spectroscopy N2 - Detection of micro- (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in food and environmental matrices has been gaining relevance due to their potential toxicological effects on human health. While MPs have been detected in a wide range of complex matrices, suitable methods for the characterization and chemical identification of NPs are still lacking, primarily due to significant methodological challenges associated with their nano-specific physiochemical properties, including size distribution (1 nm – 1 µm), dynamic surface chemical changes, and carbon-based composition, which complicate their detection compared to engineered nanomaterials. To overcome the traditional limitations of spectroscopic techniques in terms of spatial resolution and sensitivity at the sub-micrometer level, a novel label-free methodology is presented for specifically identifying the chemical composition of NPs directly in suspension by combining Raman spectroscopy with dielectrophoresis (DEP). Using a custom-built device, small volumes of NPs are injected into a dielectrophoretic cell and locally trapped by DEP forces to fill the Raman confocal volume, facilitating their detection and identification, and providing high signal-to-noise ratio Raman spectra for more reliable analysis. This approach was successfully applied to both Milli-Q water and a commercial brand of drinking water, enabling the rapid identification of various types of NPs with different sizes and polymer compositions at concentrations as low as 20 µg/mL. These included certified reference polystyrene beads ranging from 800 to 60 nm in diameter, as well as polydisperse NPs, more representative of real samples in terms of size distribution and polymer type, such as polyethylene (450 nm), polypropylene (180 nm), and polyethylene terephthalate (100 nm). Moreover, the chemical fingerprint of each NPs was thoroughly investigated and compared with the corresponding bulk polymers, highlighting possible changes in the Raman bands due to surface oxidation or nanometer-scale effect. Therefore, this innovative method can be considered a valuable approach for addressing gaps in the detection and identification of NPs, as well as for monitoring their dynamic phisiochemical changes in real matrices. KW - Nanoplastics KW - Water contaminants KW - Raman microspectroscopy KW - Dielectrophoresis PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-633658 DO - https://doi.org/10.1186/s43591-025-00131-y SN - 2662-4966 VL - 5 IS - 1 SP - 1 EP - 11 PB - Springer Science and Business Media LLC AN - OPUS4-63365 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Cakir, Cafer Tufan T1 - Algorithm-Assisted Multimodal Synchrotron Experiments: XRD–XES Integration and SpecTwin N2 - Multimodal synchrotron-based techniques are emerging as powerful tools for advanced materials characterization, enabling simultaneous insights into both crystal and electronic structure. We present a combined X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) approach implemented in a double-dispersive setup. This configuration enables simultaneous acquisition of structural and spectroscopic information with high precision, allowing us to resolve correlations between lattice arrangements and electronic configurations under in situ conditions. To enhance experimental throughput and reproducibility, we employ digital twin concepts and optimization algorithms for experiment design and parameter control. These methods effectively eliminate trial-and-error procedures when optimizing the setup to achieve the desired resolution for XES analysis. In addition, we introduce SpecTwin, a dedicated software environment that integrates XES data analysis, simulation, and optimization routines. This combined methodology underscores the potential of algorithm-assisted multimodal X-ray experiments to advance the quantitative understanding of structure–property relationships in complex materials. T2 - Joint BAM-HZB Symposium on Multimodal Synchrotron Experiments for Next-Generation Materials Research CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 25.02.2026 KW - XAS KW - Digital Twin KW - Optimization KW - Multimodal PY - 2026 AN - OPUS4-65608 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Bartczak, Dorota A1 - Sikora, Aneta A1 - Goenaga-Infante, Heidi A1 - Altmann, Korinna A1 - Drexel, Roland A1 - Meier, Florian A1 - Alasonati, Enrica A1 - Lelong, Marc A1 - Cado, Florence A1 - Chivas-Joly, Carine A1 - Fadda, Marta A1 - Sacco, Alessio A1 - Rossi, Andrea Mario A1 - Pröfrock, Daniel A1 - Wippermann, Dominik A1 - Barbero, Francesco A1 - Fenoglio, Ivana A1 - Booth, Andy M. A1 - Sørensen, Lisbet A1 - Igartua, Amaia A1 - Wouters, Charlotte A1 - Mast, Jan A1 - Barbaresi, Marta A1 - Rossi, Francesca A1 - Piergiovanni, Maurizio A1 - Mattarozzi, Monica A1 - Careri, Maria A1 - Caebergs, Thierry A1 - Piette, Anne-Sophie A1 - Parot, Jeremie A1 - Giovannozzi, Andrea Mario T1 - Multiparameter characterisation of a nano-polypropylene representative test material with fractionation, light scattering, high-resolution microscopy, spectroscopy, and spectrometry methods N2 - Reference and quality control materials with comparable physicochemical properties to nanoplastic contaminants present in environmental and food nanoplastics are currently lacking. Here we report a nanoplastic polypropylene material prepared using a top-down approach involving mechanical fragmentation of larger plastics. The material was found to be homogeneous and stable in suspension and has been characterised for average particle size, size distribution range, particle number concentration, polypropylene mass fraction and inorganic impurity Content using a wide range of analytical methods, including AF4, cFFF, PTA, (MA)DLS, MALS, SEM, AFM, TEM, STEM, EDS,Raman, ICP-MS and pyGC-MS. The material was found to have a broad size distribution, ranging from 50 nm to over 200 nm, with the average particle size value dependent on the technique used to determine it. Particle number concentration ranged from 1.7–2.4 × 1010 g−1 , according to PTA. Spectroscopy techniques confirmed that the material was polypropylene, with evidence of aging due to an increased level of oxidation. The measured mass fraction was found to depend on the marker used and ranged between 3 and 5 μg g−1 . Inorganic impurities such as Si, Al, Mg, K, Na, S, Fe, Cl and Ca were also identified at ng g−1 levels. Comparability and complementarity across the measurement methods and techniques is also discussed. KW - Polypropylene KW - Nanoplastics KW - Analytics KW - Reference material KW - Scattering methods PY - 2026 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-654680 DO - https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EN00917K SN - 2051-8153 SP - 1 EP - 15 PB - Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) AN - OPUS4-65468 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ponader, Marco A1 - Röder, Bettina A1 - Paul, Martin A1 - Weller, Michael G. T1 - Sintered glass monoliths as supports for affinity columns N2 - A novel stationary phase for affinity separations is presented. This material is based on sintered borosilicate glass readily available as semi-finished filter plates with defined porosity and surface area. The material shows fast binding kinetics and excellent long-term stability under real application conditions due to lacking macropores and high mechanical rigidity. The glass surface can be easily modified with standard organosilane chemistry to immobilize selective binders or other molecules used for biointeraction. In this paper, the manufacturing of the columns and their respective column holders by 3D printing is shown in detail. The model system protein A/IgG was chosen as an example to examine the properties of such monolithic columns under realistic application conditions. Several specifications, such as (dynamic) IgG capacity, pressure stability, long-term performance, productivity, non-specific binding, and peak shape, are presented. It could be shown that due to the very high separation speed, 250 mg antibody per hour and column can be collected, which surpasses the productivity of most standard columns of the same size. The total IgG capacity of the shown columns is around 4 mg (5.5 mg/mL), which is sufficient for most tasks in research laboratories. The cycle time of an IgG separation can be less than 1 min. Due to the glass material’s excellent pressure resistance, these columns are compatible with standard HPLC systems. This is usually not the case with standard affinity columns, limited to manual use or application in low-pressure systems. The use of a standard HPLC system also improves the ability for automation, which enables the purification of hundreds of cell supernatants in one day. The sharp peak shape of the elution leads to an enrichment effect, which might increase the concentration of IgG by a factor of 3. The final concentration of IgG can be around 7.5 mg/mL without the need for an additional nano-filtration step. The purity of the IgG was > 95% in one step and nearly 99% with a second polishing run. KW - Affinity Chromatography KW - Affinity Extraction KW - Affinity Separation KW - Protein Purification KW - Down Stream Processing KW - Antibody Purification KW - Diagnostic Antibodies KW - Therapeutic Antibodies KW - Automated Purification KW - HPLC KW - FPLC KW - IgG determination KW - Concentration step KW - Monoclonal Antibodies KW - Polyclonal Antibodies KW - Human Plasma KW - Glass Support KW - Borosilicate Glass KW - Monolith KW - Sintered Material KW - Additive Manufacturing KW - Column holder KW - Construction KW - Open Science KW - Citizen Science KW - Protein A KW - Regeneration KW - High-Speed Separations KW - Robustness PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-527581 DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/separations8050056 SN - 2297-8739 N1 - Geburtsname von Ponader, Marco: Wilke, M. - Birth name of Ponader, Marco: Wilke, M. VL - 8 IS - 5 SP - 1 EP - 16 PB - MDPI CY - Basel AN - OPUS4-52758 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - INPR A1 - Ponader, Marco A1 - Röder, Bettina A1 - Paul, Martin A1 - Weller, Michael G. T1 - Sintered glass monoliths as new supports for affinity columns N2 - A novel stationary phase for affinity separations is presented. This material is based on sintered borosilicate glass readily available as semi-finished filter plates with defined porosity and surface area. The material shows fast binding kinetics and excellent long-term stability under real application conditions due to lacking macropores and high mechanical rigidity. The glass surface can be easily modified with standard organosilane chemistry to immobilize selective binders or other molecules used for biointeraction. In this paper, the manufacturing of the columns and their respective column holders by 3D printing is shown in detail. The model system protein A/IgG was chosen as an example to examine the properties of such monolithic columns under realistic application conditions. Several specifications, such as (dynamic) IgG capacity, pressure stability, long-term performance, productivity, non-specific binding, and peak shape, are presented. It could be shown that due to the very high separation speed, 250 mg antibody per hour and column can be collected, which surpasses the productivity of most standard columns of the same size. The total IgG capacity of the shown columns is around 4 mg (5.5 mg/mL), which is sufficient for most tasks in research laboratories. The cycle time of an IgG separation can be less than 1 minute. Due to the glass material's excellent pressure resistance, these columns are compatible with standard HPLC systems. This is usually not the case with standard affinity columns, limited to manual use or application in low-pressure systems. The use of a standard HPLC system also improves the ability for automation, which enables the purification of hundreds of cell supernatants in one day. The sharp peak shape of the elution leads to an enrichment effect, which might increase the concentration of IgG by a factor of 3. The final concentration of IgG can be around 7.5 mg/mL without the need for an additional nanofiltration step. The purity of the IgG was > 95% in one step and nearly 99% with a second polishing run. KW - Affinity Chromatography KW - Glass KW - Purification KW - Antibodies KW - Solid support KW - HPLC KW - FPLC KW - Separation PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-529117 DO - https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202103.0298.v1 SN - 2310-287X N1 - Geburtsname von Ponader, Marco: Wilke, M. - Birth name of Ponader, Marco: Wilke, M. SP - 1 EP - 17 PB - MDPI CY - Basel AN - OPUS4-52911 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - INPR A1 - Morcillo, Dalia A1 - Oelze, Marcus A1 - Seena Prem, Pranav A1 - de Oliveira Guilherme Buzanich, Ana A1 - Emmerling, Franziska A1 - Recknagel, Sebastian A1 - Panne, Ulrich A1 - Abad Andrade, Carlos Enrique T1 - Lithium isotope fractionation as an early indicator of degradation mechanisms in lithium-ion batteries N2 - Aging in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) degrades performance and hinders sustainability, demanding advanced diagnostics for early failure prediction. We investigate lithium isotope fractionation (LIF) as an innovative probe of degradation in lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) coin cells aged over 0−700 cycles. High-precision multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) quantified δ7Li variations across cell stages: non-cycled (0 cycles), newly formed (5 cycles), semi-aged (250 cycles), and fully aged (700 cycles). During early cycling (≤ 45 cycles), chemical processes drive 7Li enrichment at the anode (δ7Li vs LSVEC = +12 ‰) through solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, while the cathode depletes in 7Li (δ7Li vs LSVEC = −0.7 ‰). Beyond 45 cycles, electric field-induced migration predominates, promoting 6Li intercalation into the anode and increasing the δ7Li of the cathode by 8.1 ‰. Mass balance verifies isotope conservation, attributing shifts to redistribution and trapping. Complementary electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy and diffraction confirm SEI expansion, cobalt oxidation, lattice shrinkage, and changes in electrode structure, corroborating LIF trends. Notably, a δ7Li inflection at approximately 270 cycles anticipates end-of-life by 70 cycles, surpassing traditional methods in sensitivity. LIF emerges as a predictive indicator of aging mechanisms, informing optimized designs for durable LIBs. KW - Lithium isotope fractionation KW - Lithium-ion batteries KW - Degradation mechanisms KW - LiCoO2 cathodes KW - LCO KW - Isotopic tracing KW - Lithium isotopes PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-650945 DO - https://doi.org/10.26434/chemrxiv-2025-16lvq SP - 1 EP - 19 AN - OPUS4-65094 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hoque, Maroof Arshadul A1 - Sommerfeld, Thomas A1 - Lisec, Jan A1 - Das, Prasenjit A1 - Prinz, Carsten A1 - Heinekamp, Christian A1 - Stolar, Tomislav A1 - Etter, Martin A1 - Rosenberger, David A1 - George, Janine A1 - Bhattacharya, Biswajit A1 - Emmerling, Franziska T1 - Mechanochemically Synthesized Covalent Organic Framework Effectively Captures PFAS Contaminants N2 - Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants that pose significant health risks, prompting urgent efforts to develop effective removal methods and adsorbers. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are metal‐free adsorbers with high stability and tunable porosity. A highly crystalline COF is synthesised mechanochemically using 1,3,5‐tris(4‐aminophenyl)benzene (TAPB) and 1,3,5‐triformylbenzene (TFB). The formation dynamics are monitored in real time with time‐resolved in situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction. The TAPB‐TFB COF demonstrates good efficiency in eliminating PFAS from water. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are effectively extracted, and most of the adsorption occurred within the first 10 min. Additionally, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and DFT calculations are employed to elucidate the molecular interactions between PFAS and the COF framework. The rapid and efficient removal of PFAS makes TAPB‐TFB COF a promising material for water treatment applications. KW - COFs KW - Ball-milling KW - PFAS PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-648712 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202509275 SN - 1613-6810 VL - 21 IS - 44 SP - 1 EP - 8 PB - Wiley CY - Weinheim AN - OPUS4-64871 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - de Oliveira Guilherme Buzanich, Ana A1 - Radtke, Martin A1 - Yusenko, Kirill A1 - Stawski, Tomasz A1 - Kulow, Anicó A1 - Cakir, Cafer Tufan A1 - Röder, Bettina A1 - Naese, Christoph A1 - Britzke, Ralf A1 - Sintschuk, Michael A1 - Emmerling, Franziska T1 - BAMline - A real-life sample materials research beamline N2 - With increasing demand and environmental concerns, researchers are exploring new materials that can perform as well or better than traditional materials while reducing environmental impact. The BAMline, a real-life sample materials research beamline, provides unique insights into materials’ electronic and chemical structure at different time and length scales. The beamline specializes in x-ray absorption spectroscopy, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and tomography experiments. This enables real-time optimization of material properties and performance for various applications, such as energy transfer, energy storage, catalysis, and corrosion resistance. This paper gives an overview of the analytical methods and sample environments of the BAMline, which cover non-destructive testing experiments in materials science, chemistry, biology, medicine, and cultural heritage. We also present our own synthesis methods, processes, and equipment developed specifically for the BAMline, and we give examples of synthesized materials and their potential applications. Finally, this article discusses the future perspectives of the BAMline and its potential for further advances in sustainable materials research. KW - Extended X-ray absorption fine structure KW - Energy storage KW - Environmental impacts KW - Nondestructive testing techniques KW - X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy KW - Corrosion KW - Near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy KW - X-ray absorption spectroscopy PY - 2023 DO - https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0157194 VL - 158 IS - 24 SP - 1 EP - 22 PB - AIP Publishing AN - OPUS4-57824 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Drago, C A1 - Wiesner, Yosri A1 - Braun, U A1 - Giovannozi, A A1 - Fadda, M A1 - Putzu, Mara A1 - Lorenzo, S A1 - Moscoso-Pérez, C A1 - Benismail, N A1 - Palma, C A1 - Almeida, J A1 - Mattarozzi, M A1 - Barbaresi, M A1 - Piergiovanni, M A1 - Masino, M A1 - Bianchi, F A1 - Careri, M A1 - v Bavel, B A1 - Maltseva, A A1 - Sillanpää, M A1 - Pröfrock, D A1 - Wippermann, D A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Harmonisation of sample preparation for microplastic analysis: Recovery rates of tablets containing microplastics as reference material for food and environmental matrix N2 - Microplastic are found ubiquitarians in the environment and food products. Up to now, their impact of risks on health and environment is still controversially discussed, but based on the precautionary principle alone, their presence should be monitored and emission should be reduced (see here also the status of existing EU regulations ). The crucial point is not only the reduction of microplastics pollution but also the introduction of legally binding, standardized procedures for their analysis. The limited availability of certified reference material as well as absence of standard operating procedures to identify, characterize and quantify microplastics according to number and mass have generated lack of comparability between different analytical methods and laboratories; but also, the need of time-consuming development of own protocols for each laboratory. Further on, harmonisation and standardisation of microplastics analysis requires specific reference materials that are used to validate the measurement and to ensure the comparability of results. In the first step, we developed tablets of a water-soluble matrix, containing defined numbers of microplastic particles or mass contents. These can be solved in water and can be handled as reference materials in bottled drinking water without additional sample preparation. These samples can be measured, using mass-based methods as thermo-analytical methods like thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS) or pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and using umber-based methods as vibrational spectroscopy like Infrared and Raman directly after filtration. The aim of this work was to delevop standard operating procedure to measure microplastics in more complex matrices and to harmonise and compare different detection and characterization methods. In fact, these matrices require different additional treatments to allow a reliable quantification and identification of microplastics. T2 - SETAC Europe 2025 CY - Vienna, Austria DA - 11.05.2025 KW - Microplastics KW - Nanoplastics PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63366 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 - JOUR A1 - Eisentraut, Paul A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Repräsentative Mikroplastik-Detektion in Umweltproben - Weiterentwicklung der TED-GC/MS N2 - Die große Herausforderung in der Detektion von Mikroplastik (MP)‑Partikeln (1-1000 µm) besteht darin, sie neben Millionen von natürlichen Partikeln in Umweltproben nachzuweisen. Zum Aufspüren von Senken, Eintragspfaden und für Monitoring-Kampagnen ist ein schnelles, automatisiertes Verfahren unerlässlich. Ein solches Verfahren wurde an der Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) mit der ThermoExtraktion/Desorption-Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie (TED-GC/MS) in den letzten Jahren entwickelt. KW - Mikroplastik KW - TED-GC/MS PY - 2021 UR - https://analyticalscience.wiley.com/do/10.1002/was.0004000195 SN - 0016-3538 SP - 2 EP - 5 PB - Wiley-VCH CY - Weinheim AN - OPUS4-54266 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - PlasticTrace WP1 – Stakeholder Workshop N2 - The talk summarizes the achievments of WP1 of the PlasticTrace project. Microplastic reference materials were developed by producing tablets. Different preparation methods were compared. Characterisation of the tablets was done after filtration with µFTIR, QCL, µRaman, Py-GC/MS and TED-GC/MS after ISO standards ISO 16094-2 and ISO/FDIS 16094-3. Polymer types are polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate. T2 - Stakeholder Workshop PlasticsTrace CY - Online meeting DA - 09.09.2025 KW - Microplastics KW - Reference materials KW - TED-GC/MS KW - PET PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-64258 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 - Bauer, J. A1 - Miclea, P.-T. A1 - Braun, U. A1 - Altmann, Korinna A1 - Turek, M. A1 - Hagendorf, C. T1 - Microplastic detection and analysis in water samples N2 - Microplastic detection in water samples becomes important for tracing microplastic sources. Microplastic may harm desalination facilities by blocking filters and disturbing the marine food chain. Thermo analytical methods such as pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectroscopy, and spectroscopic methods like (micro) Raman spectroscopy or (micro) Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy in combination with appropriate filters and sample preparation are suitable for analyzing microplastics on a scale from 1 µm to 1000 µm fast and unambiguous. While the thermo analytical methods are suitable for larger sample volumes, Raman spectroscopy and Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy are able to detect and analyze single microplastic particles for instance in bottled water. Machine learning algorithms ensure a reliable classification of different plastic materials. T2 - International Conference on Sustainable Energy-Water-Environment Nexus in Desert Climate 2019 CY - Ar-Rayyan, Qatar DA - 02.12.2019 KW - Microplastics KW - Water samples PY - 2022 SP - 111 EP - 113 PB - Springer AN - OPUS4-56240 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Kulow, Anicó A1 - de Oliveira Guilherme Buzanich, Ana A1 - Reinholz, Uwe A1 - Emmerling, Franziska A1 - Hampel, S. A1 - Fittschen, UEA A1 - Streli, C. A1 - Radtke, Martin T1 - Reconstruction for coded aperture full-field x-ray fluorescence imaging N2 - X-ray fluorescence imaging is a well-established tool in materials characterization. In this work, we present the adaption of coded aperture imaging to full-field X-ray fluorescence imaging at the synchrotron. Coded aperture imaging has its origins in astrophysics, and has several advantages: Coded apertures are relatively easy to fabricate, achromatic, allow a high photon throughput, and high angular acceptance. Coded aperture imaging is a two-step-process, consisting of the measurement process and a reconstruction step. Different programs have been written, for the raytracing/forward projection and the reconstruction. Experiments with coded aperture in combination with a Color X-ray Camera and an energy-dispersive area detector, have been conducted at the BAMline. Measured samples were successfully reconstructed, and gave a 9.1-fold increase in count rate compared to a polycapillary optic. KW - Synchrotron KW - BAMline KW - Coded Aperture PY - 2022 SN - 1097-0002 VL - 65 SP - 57 EP - 70 PB - Cambridge University Press CY - Cambridge AN - OPUS4-56350 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - RPRT A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Reference material BAM-P206 polyethylene terephthalate (powder) N2 - This report contains detailed information on the preparation of the reference material as well as on homogeneity and stability investigations of the property of interest, the equivalent particle diameter, and on the analytical methods to determine the additional properties. The values for particle size distribution are based on the results from laser diffraction measurements of 3 different devices with at least 3 replicate measurements of 4 randomly chosen units of the reference material P206. KW - Microplastic KW - Reference material KW - PET PY - 2023 DO - https://doi.org/10.26272/opus4-59778 SP - 1 EP - 23 PB - Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) CY - Berlin AN - OPUS4-59778 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Miclea, Paul T1 - Microanalysis of Airborne Nano/Microplastic Particles in an Textile Industrial Environment N2 - Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging global contaminants, present in air, soil, and water. The textile industry is potentially a major contributor, releasing synthetic particles like polyamide, polyester, and acrylic during production. This study assessed MNP levels outside and inside a textile-processing facility using online air samplers with silicon (Si) and quartz filters. Real-time particle counts (PM0.3–PM10) were obtained via a laser detector. Si filters (9 mm, 10/1 µm pores) and quartz filters (25 mm, 1.2 µm pores, pre-calcined at 800°C) were used for sampling. Custom holders allowed selective sampling for PM10 and PM1 on Si filters. Sampling conditions included a 3-hour collection at 2 L/min (GilAir Plus pump) starting at 7:00 AM (T1) and 2:00 PM (T2), with intermittent ventilation, 23.3 °C average temperature, and 52.5% humidity. Particle weights collected (µg) were: quartz – 4.9E-05 (T1), 5.1E-05 (T2); Si – 3.2E-05 (T1), 5E-06 (T2). Outside particle counts ranged from 3,584 (T1) to 15,165 (T2); inside: 9,901 (T1) to 12,921 (T2). Maximum indoor PM10 and PM0.3 levels were 72/m³ and 71,979/m³, respectively. Particles were analyzed using electron microscopy and µRaman spectroscopy, confirming high concentrations of irregularly shaped PP-based particles (1–5 µm). T2 - 12th TEXTEH CY - Bucharest, Romania DA - 23.10.2025 KW - Microplastics KW - Airborne particles KW - Raman microspectroscopy PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-64485 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -