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Rapid Single Particle Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe-Mass Spectrometry for Multimodal Analysis of Microplastics
Clementina Vitali1,2, Hans-Gerd Janssen2,3, Francesco Simone Ruggeri2,4
1Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen University & Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Analytical Chemistry
|December 22, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a new mass spectrometry method for identifying single microplastic particles. The technique enables comprehensive analysis of microplastic contamination, including chemical identity and particle size.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants, yet systematic data on their occurrence is limited due to a lack of comprehensive characterization techniques.
- Mass spectrometry (MS) is powerful for synthetic polymer analysis, but its application to single microplastic particles requires further exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a mass spectrometry-based method for the chemical analysis of single microplastic particles.
- To establish a multimodal approach combining microscopy and mass spectrometry for comprehensive microplastic characterization.
- To assess the method's applicability in analyzing microplastics in real-world samples like bottled water.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an atmospheric solid analysis probe (ASAP) coupled with a compact quadrupole mass spectrometer for single particle microplastic analysis.
- Optimized a two-stage ASAP probe temperature program for additive removal and polymer characterization.
- Integrated staining and fluorescence microscopy with ASAP-MS for a multimodal analysis workflow.
Main Results:
- Achieved specific mass spectra for diverse microplastic types including polyolefins, polycarbonates, and polyesters.
- Established single particle size detection limits of 30 μm (full scan) and 5 μm (selected ion recording) for polystyrene MPs.
- Demonstrated successful application of the multimodal method for microplastic analysis in bioplastic bottled water.
Conclusions:
- The developed ASAP-MS method provides a robust tool for the chemical identification of single microplastic particles.
- The multimodal approach enables a complete characterization of microplastic contamination, encompassing particle number, size, shape, and chemical identity.
- This technique advances the systematic study of microplastic occurrence and environmental impact.
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