Critical steps for microplastics characterization from the atmosphere

Author(s)

Galva, Luciana dos Santos ^{[1, 2]} ; Fernandes, Emilia Mori Sarti ^[3] ; Ferreira, Rafaela Reis ^[3] ; Rosa, Derval dos Santos ^[3] ; Wiebeck, Helio ^{[3, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Met Engn & Mat, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Inst Technol Res IPT, Lab Chem & Manufactured Goods, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[3] Fed Univ ABC UFABC, Ctr Engn Modeling & Appl Social Sci CECS, Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS; v. 424, n. C FEB 15 2022.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

The microplastics found in many environments, whether in atmospheric, terrestrial, aquatic marine, or freshwater systems, result from exaggerated consumption of plastics. These, when discarded incorrectly, persist in the environment, and degrade into many forms. Researchers have studied microplastics using many collection and characterization methodologies, yet often obtaining divergent results for the same environments. This study presents a bibliographic review of sampling and characterization methodologies for nano and microplastics in the atmospheric environment. Part I of this review presents sampling types and pre-treatment microplastics found in the air to elucidate the principal means of separating plastic species with consequent polymer identification. In Part II, Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy techniques are evaluated for their precision in microplastic identification. The study demonstrates by a systematic revision that depending on the MPs origin, certain characterization techniques are more appropriate. Considering the direct influence of sample impurities, sample pre-treatment is a critical step for correct chemical identification. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/11277-7 - PBAT films with cellulose nanostructures treated with essential oils encapsulated for active packaging
• Grantee: Derval dos Santos Rosa
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants