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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Sampling and Identification of Microplastics in Groundwater
Published on: November 7, 2025
Integrated GC-MS and ATR-FTIR analysis of airborne microplastics captured by spider webs
Elżbieta Szostak1, Magdalena Wróbel2, Beata Kultys1
1Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30- 387, Kraków, Poland.
None:
Our study evaluated airborne microplastics (MPs) captured by spider webs (Agelenidae) in an urban environment (Wrocław, Poland). GC-MS was used to characterize extractable organic compounds linked to MPs, while ATR-FTIR spectroscopy enabled detection of polymer-related signals in solid residues after solvent extraction. All samples contained compounds associated with polymeric materials, including rubber- and silicone-related components, with rubber signals detected at all sites. No significant differences were observed between central and suburban locations, indicating a relatively uniform distribution of airborne MPs. ATR-FTIR results further suggested the occurrence of tire-derived materials in all samples, along with polyamides (Nylon 6; 40%), polypropylene-related materials (including Epcar 5875; ~20%), polyvinyl alcohol (20%), and polyethylene (LDPE; 13%), expressed as frequency of occurrence across samples. Overall, the results demonstrate that spider webs can serve as accessible passive samplers, providing a qualitative and integrative representation of airborne microplastic contamination in urban environments.
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