Direct Measurement of Microplastics by Carbon Detection via Single Particle ICP-TOFMS in Complex Aqueous Suspensions
Hendriks L.; Mitrano, D.
Environmental Science & Technology
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01192
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, triggering the need for appropriate safety assessment strategies. Plastic particulates can be present in various shapes and sizes (macroplastics, microplastics and nanoplastics), and thereby experience a different fate and transport. Researchers worldwide are investigating and developing novel approaches to measure and quantify these small particles in the environment.
While ICP-MS is typically not the method of choice for measuring carbon due to its low sensitivity and high ubiquitous background, with adequate optimization it is possible to measure carbon, which is a key component of many types of microplastics. Here, the TOFWERK icpTOF S2, which presents the highest sensitivity of all three icpTOF models, is optimized specifically to achieve this goal. By simultaneously measuring carbon and the full mass spectrum, the icpTOF S2 opens up new possibilities for studying the impact of microplastics in the environment, as well as other applications related to carbon analysis.
