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Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as a technique to detect copper in plastic and microplastic waste
Sebastián Tognana1, Cristian D'Angelo2, Susana Montecinos3
1IFIMAT, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Pinto 399, 7000, Tandil, Argentina; CIFICEN (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), Pinto 399, 7000, Tandil, Argentina; Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Bs, As., Calle 526 entre 10 y 11, 1900, La Plata, Argentina.
Plastic debris in rivers can absorb and transport toxic metals like copper. This study found that both large plastic pieces and microplastics from urban river water samples contained copper, highlighting a significant environmental concern.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Plastic waste poses environmental risks, acting as a vector for pollutants.
- Metals, particularly copper, are frequently found in aquatic environments receiving urban effluents.
- Understanding pollutant-plastic interactions is crucial for environmental remediation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine copper presence in plastics and microplastics from urban stream water.
- To analyze the impact of sample digestion on copper quantification.
- To investigate copper retention by common plastics in aquatic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for sensitive metal detection.
- Analysis of plastic and microplastic samples collected from a river.
- Controlled experiments on copper retention in plastics submerged in water and laboratory solutions.
Main Results:
- Copper was detected in both macroplastics and microplastics from the urban stream.
- The digestion process was evaluated for its influence on sample analysis.
- Common plastics demonstrated the ability to retain copper when exposed to stream water and laboratory solutions.
Conclusions:
- Macroplastics and microplastics in urban rivers can accumulate copper.
- Plastics serve as significant vectors for metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
- This highlights the need for strategies to mitigate plastic and associated metal contamination.
