Micro and nanoplastics under photodegradation conditions: interactions with persistent organic pollutants, cells and bacteria in a synchrotron approach

• Grant number: 24/00101-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: April 01, 2024
• End date: March 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Mateus Borba Cardoso
• Grantee: Aline Orvalho Pereira
• Host Institution: Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/12071-6 - Tailoring colloids through supramolecular interactions: from fundamentals to applications, AP.TEM

Abstract

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) represent a current environmental challenge due to inadequate disposal in soil and aquatic environments, dispersing globally. These particles become environmental pollutants, being ingested by organisms in different ecosystems, including humans, with direct impacts on health and well-being. MNPs undergo degradation over time, especially through photodegradation, which modifies their properties and changes their capacity of sorption of pollutants and microorganisms, with potential to aggravate the problem. The accurately characterization of MNPs and understanding of their environmental behavior are crucial scientific challenges. This project proposes a study with model polystyrene particles of different sizes to investigate their characterization and interactions with organic pollutants, bacteria and cells, in their native and photodegraded states. The research will include the development of strategies to use next generation synchrotron radiation techniques to characterize MNPs, allowing the analysis of nanometer-scale structures with high resolution. Chemical analysis changes due to photodegradation and interactions with pollutants, cells and bacteria will be investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), micro and nano-FTIR spectroscopy. The aggregation profile of the particles and their colloidal stability will be examined by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), while internalization in cells will be analyzed by X-ray nano-tomography. The project will contribute to the advancement of studies on MNPs, using synchrotron radiation, establishing protocols and strategies for future research in this field.