Quantifying microplastics by pyrolysis-gas chromatography and mass spectrometry: from analytical method development to application with freshwater invertebrates

• Grant number: 25/02149-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Cassiana Carolina Montagner
• Grantee: Ramon Domingues dos Santos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/12104-4 - Fate and impacts of microplastics and pesticides in aquatic and terrestrial matrices in agricultural contexts, AP.TEM

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) pollution is considered an emerging concern, due to evidence of the risks associated with the presence of these pollutants in the most diverse environmental compartments, as well as in biota and the human body. Currently, the definition of methods capable of reproducibly determining the presence of MPs in varied and complex environmental matrices is a challenge for environmental sciences. Among the most common approaches, optical microscopy and spectroanalytical techniques stand out. These methodologies have limitations regarding the particle size analyzed, which may lead to underreporting the presence of MPs. Furthermore, they are often unable to chemically characterize some particles, which can lead to false positives. As an alternative, using thermoanalytical techniques presents relevant advances to meet demands arising from this environmental problem. Within this context, the application of pyrolysis-gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (Py-GC-FID) in the quantification of MPs in various matrices has gained prominence globally in recent years but is still little explored in Brazil. In this master's project, the objective is the multifactorial validation of a Py-GC-FID analytical method for analyzing MPs. In addition, the validation of a sample preparation protocol and determination of polymer concentration in samples of freshwater invertebrates from mesocosm systems, with semi-controlled exposure.