Innovative analytical methods for the detection and determination of small micro/nanoplastics as emerging contaminants in food-related samples

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) represent a class of ubiquitous anthropogenic pollutants that can be found in environmental and food matrices. To date, there is still insufficient knowledge on the short and long-term risks for human health deriving from exposure to these pollutants, which would be necessary for the implementation of regulatory actions. Understanding the occurrence of MPs/NPs in matrices through the use of quality-assured methods for particle detection, characterization, quantification and sizing is crucial for developing effective strategies for environmental and food monitoring [1]. This should support regulatory bodies responsible for the control of environmental pollution and food safety, and help industries to carry out strategies that may contribute to the reduction of MPs and NPs pollution. Currently, interpretation and comparison of analytical data are hampered by the unavailability of standardized methods for MPs/NPs sampling, processing, identification and quantification as well as by the lack of reference materials for metrological traceability. In this context, the research activities will focus on the development, validation and harmonization of methods for chemical identification, physical characterisation and quantification of small microplastics (SMPs, 0.1-100 μm) and NPs (1-100 nm) in water and food, as required by the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan. In particular, analytical methods based on Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy, both coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (ESEM-EDS and TEM-EDS) [2] and µ-Raman spectroscopy will be developed to detect and characterize SMPs and NPs in drinking water and milk powder. The validation of the proposed methods will involve SMP/NP reference materials developed within the project, which will lead to the establishment of metrological traceability in small microplastics and nanoplastics measurements. Further activities such as the analysis of real samples and the participation in interlaboratory circuits are scheduled as the final part of the funded projects. REFERENCES [1] P.A. Da Costa Filho et al., Sci Rep. 11 (2021) 24046 [2] M. Mattarozzi et al., Talanta 196 (2019) 429-435