Nanoplastics Identification in Complex Environmental Matrices: Strategies for Polystyrene and Polypropylene

Identification of nanoplastics in complex environmental matrices remains a challenge. Despite the increase in nanoplastics studies, there is a lack of studies dedicated to nanoplastics detection, partially explained by their carbon-based structure, their wide variety of composition, and their low environmental concentrations compared to the natural organic matter. Here, pyrolysis coupled to a GCMS instrumental setup provided a relevant analytical response for polypropylene and polystyrene nanoplastic suspensions. Specific pyrolysis markers and their indicative fragment ions were selected and validated. Possible interferences with environmental matrices were explored by spiking nanoplastics in various organic matter suspensions (i.e., algae, soil natural organic matter, and soil humic acid) and analyzing an environmental suspension of nanoplastics. While a rapid polypropylene nanoplastics identification was validated, polystyrene nanoplastics require preliminary treatment. The strategies presented herein open new possibilities for the detection/identification of nanoplastics in environmental matrices such as soil, dust, and biota.

Automated summary

Identification of nanoplastics in complex environmental matrices remains a challenge, but researchers have found a reliable analytical method by using pyrolysis coupled to a GCMS instrumental setup. By selecting and validating specific pyrolysis markers and fragment ions, polypropylene and polystyrene nanoplastics were successfully identified.