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Development of a solubility parameter calculation-based method as a complementary tool to traditional techniques for
Shanjun Song1, Limei Cai1, Yuhui Liu2
1National Institute of Metrology, Beijing 100013, China; Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|August 9, 2023
Summary
A new method analyzes microplastics in indoor dust using solubility parameters. Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) was found in indoor environments, highlighting microplastics as contaminant vectors.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Microplastic contamination is a growing concern in indoor environments.
- Understanding microplastic presence and characteristics in indoor dust is crucial for assessing human exposure.
- Existing analytical methods may have limitations in complex matrices like dust.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel method for microplastic analysis in indoor dust based on solubility parameters.
- To identify and quantify microplastic types in indoor dust samples from graduate student dormitories.
- To investigate the relationship between microplastics, organic carbon, and persistent organic pollutants, and to assess potential health risks.
Main Methods:
- Solubility parameter calculation for microplastic identification and quantification.
- Analysis of indoor dust samples using the developed method.
- Validation through limit of quantification (LOQ), reference material analysis, and spiking experiments.
- Correlation analysis with total organic carbon (TOC) and BDE-209 concentrations.
Main Results:
- The method achieved a LOQ of 0.2 mg/g with good sensitivity and precision.
- Recoveries from spiking experiments were >80%, with minor interference except for EPDM.
- Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) was identified in indoor dust for the first time, second only to PET.
- Significant correlations were found between microplastics, TOC, and BDE-209, indicating microplastics act as contaminant vectors.
- Dormitory stays and PET were identified as major contributors to health risks.
Conclusions:
- The solubility parameter method offers a standardized approach for microplastic determination in complex matrices.
- Microplastics, particularly EPDM and PET, are prevalent in indoor dust, posing potential exposure risks.
- Microplastics can act as carriers for other contaminants like BDE-209 in indoor environments.
