Advanced chromatographic techniques for assessing human-relevant exposure pathways to micro- and nanoplastics

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants.
• Their pervasive presence in consumer products raises concerns about human exposure.
• Accurate identification and quantification are crucial for assessing environmental fate and health impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advances in chromatographic workflows for MNP analysis.
• To integrate these methods with human exposure pathways (air, water, food, cosmetics, tissues).
• To highlight methodological progress, quality assurance challenges, and knowledge gaps.

Main Methods:

• Review of chromatographic techniques including pyrolysis-GC-MS and thermal extraction-desorption GC.
• Analysis of liquid chromatography applications for additives and degradation products.
• Integration of analytical data with human exposure routes: ingestion, inhalation, and dermal uptake.

Main Results:

• Pyrolysis-GC-MS and thermal extraction-desorption GC offer bulk quantification and polymer identification for sub-visual MNPs.
• Liquid chromatography shows promise for analyzing additives and degradation products.
• Ingestion is the primary exposure pathway, followed by inhalation; dermal uptake is less understood.
• Cosmetics analysis presents significant knowledge gaps in chromatographic applications.

Conclusions:

• Chromatographic analysis is vital for understanding MNP sources, pathways, and health effects.
• Methodological standardization, matrix interference mitigation, and toxicological interpretation require further attention.
• Strategic directions are needed to link analytical advancements with public health research.