Atmospheric Microplastics Characterization Methodology

Microplastics (MPs) are considered emerging pollutants, whose presence has been reported in various ecosystems. Therefore, many studies have been reported evaluating the presence of MPs in air, soil and water. However, there is still a lack of clear methodologies that allow the identification, quant...

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Main Authors: Lorgio G. Valdiviezo-Gonzales, Paola Ortiz-Ojeda, Gabriel De-la-Torre, Fernando García, Nereida Llerena
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AIDIC Servizi S.r.l. 2025-06-01
Series:Chemical Engineering Transactions
Online Access:https://www.cetjournal.it/index.php/cet/article/view/15242
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author Lorgio G. Valdiviezo-Gonzales
Paola Ortiz-Ojeda
Gabriel De-la-Torre
Fernando García
Nereida Llerena
author_facet Lorgio G. Valdiviezo-Gonzales
Paola Ortiz-Ojeda
Gabriel De-la-Torre
Fernando García
Nereida Llerena
author_sort Lorgio G. Valdiviezo-Gonzales
collection DOAJ
description Microplastics (MPs) are considered emerging pollutants, whose presence has been reported in various ecosystems. Therefore, many studies have been reported evaluating the presence of MPs in air, soil and water. However, there is still a lack of clear methodologies that allow the identification, quantification and characterization of these contaminants. This study aims to develop a methodological guide for the evaluation of atmospheric MPs. The methodology presented is based on a comprehensive review of previous studies as well as the authors' expertise in the analysis of MPs in settleable atmospheric dust samples and other matrices. The guide provides detailed protocols for material handling, sampling, sample digestion, density separation, and physical and chemical characterization of MPs. Each methodological step is clearly outlined and supported with photographs, facilitating a comprehensive and practical understanding of the procedures. Furthermore, the proposed methodological framework applies to both indoor and outdoor samples collected via active sampling methods. The findings presented in this study are intended to serve as a valuable resource for researchers interested in developing MPs-related studies. Future research should focus on method standardization, which is essential for ensuring comparability across studies and advancing regulatory frameworks addressing MPs contamination in various ecosystems.
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issn 2283-9216
language English
publishDate 2025-06-01
publisher AIDIC Servizi S.r.l.
record_format Article
series Chemical Engineering Transactions
spelling doaj-art-b47d24865a0548eea159fff601f7ccd42025-08-20T03:27:33ZengAIDIC Servizi S.r.l.Chemical Engineering Transactions2283-92162025-06-01116Atmospheric Microplastics Characterization MethodologyLorgio G. Valdiviezo-GonzalesPaola Ortiz-OjedaGabriel De-la-TorreFernando GarcíaNereida LlerenaMicroplastics (MPs) are considered emerging pollutants, whose presence has been reported in various ecosystems. Therefore, many studies have been reported evaluating the presence of MPs in air, soil and water. However, there is still a lack of clear methodologies that allow the identification, quantification and characterization of these contaminants. This study aims to develop a methodological guide for the evaluation of atmospheric MPs. The methodology presented is based on a comprehensive review of previous studies as well as the authors' expertise in the analysis of MPs in settleable atmospheric dust samples and other matrices. The guide provides detailed protocols for material handling, sampling, sample digestion, density separation, and physical and chemical characterization of MPs. Each methodological step is clearly outlined and supported with photographs, facilitating a comprehensive and practical understanding of the procedures. Furthermore, the proposed methodological framework applies to both indoor and outdoor samples collected via active sampling methods. The findings presented in this study are intended to serve as a valuable resource for researchers interested in developing MPs-related studies. Future research should focus on method standardization, which is essential for ensuring comparability across studies and advancing regulatory frameworks addressing MPs contamination in various ecosystems.https://www.cetjournal.it/index.php/cet/article/view/15242
spellingShingle Lorgio G. Valdiviezo-Gonzales
Paola Ortiz-Ojeda
Gabriel De-la-Torre
Fernando García
Nereida Llerena
Atmospheric Microplastics Characterization Methodology
Chemical Engineering Transactions
title Atmospheric Microplastics Characterization Methodology
title_full Atmospheric Microplastics Characterization Methodology
title_fullStr Atmospheric Microplastics Characterization Methodology
title_full_unstemmed Atmospheric Microplastics Characterization Methodology
title_short Atmospheric Microplastics Characterization Methodology
title_sort atmospheric microplastics characterization methodology
url https://www.cetjournal.it/index.php/cet/article/view/15242
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AT paolaortizojeda atmosphericmicroplasticscharacterizationmethodology
AT gabrieldelatorre atmosphericmicroplasticscharacterizationmethodology
AT fernandogarcia atmosphericmicroplasticscharacterizationmethodology
AT nereidallerena atmosphericmicroplasticscharacterizationmethodology