Small, everywhere and difficult to detect - Insights into the detection of microplastic particles in environmental samples using thermal extraction desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
- As global demand for polymer products increases, so does the potential amount of leakage into the environment, known as macroplastic (> 1,000 µm) and microplastic particles (MP, 1 - 1,000 µm). To date, the environmental and health consequences are unclear and unpredictable, so robust MP monitoring data are needed to identify the sources, pathways and fate of these particles. Therefore, we developed the thermoanalytical method TED-GC/MS (thermal extraction desorption - gas chromatography/mass spectrometry), which uses polymer-specific thermal decomposition products for the detection of MP in environmental samples. It allows fast identification and the determination of MP mass contents, which is crucial for assessing of their potential effects and thus for legislation and monitoring.
For a better understanding of the TED-GC/MS, this presentation will provide the first methodological insights into systematic assessments of TED-GC/MS performance for MP detection in differentAs global demand for polymer products increases, so does the potential amount of leakage into the environment, known as macroplastic (> 1,000 µm) and microplastic particles (MP, 1 - 1,000 µm). To date, the environmental and health consequences are unclear and unpredictable, so robust MP monitoring data are needed to identify the sources, pathways and fate of these particles. Therefore, we developed the thermoanalytical method TED-GC/MS (thermal extraction desorption - gas chromatography/mass spectrometry), which uses polymer-specific thermal decomposition products for the detection of MP in environmental samples. It allows fast identification and the determination of MP mass contents, which is crucial for assessing of their potential effects and thus for legislation and monitoring.
For a better understanding of the TED-GC/MS, this presentation will provide the first methodological insights into systematic assessments of TED-GC/MS performance for MP detection in different environmental model matrices. Results of MP determination from real samples will underline the presentation and aspects of practical application will be addressed.
To harmonise the method, it is essential to assess different analytical performance parameters (e.g. recovery, signal quality or limit of detection, LOD) to ensure comparability of data. For this purpose, standard addition of different aquatic (e.g. suspended particulate matter, limnic sediment, activated sludge) and terrestrial samples (e.g. agricultural soil) were performed with non-biodegradable standard polymers (polyethylene, PE; polyethylene terephthalate, PET; polypropylene, PP; polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA; polystyrene, PS; styrene-butadiene rubber, SBR) as well as biodegradable polymers (polybutylene adipate terephthalate PBAT; polylactide, PLA) and analysed by TED-GC/MS. These results were then compared with the measurements of the neat polymers without matrix.…
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