Mass spectrometry as a powerful analytical tool for the characterization of indoor airborne microplastics and nanoplastics

Author(s): Milica Velimirovic ¹ ^, ² ^, ³ ^, ⁴ ^, ⁵ , Kristof Tirez ⁶ ^, ⁷ ^, ⁸ ^, ⁵ , Sandra Verstraelen ⁹ ^, ⁷ ^, ⁸ ^, ⁵ , Evelien Frijns ⁹ ^, ⁷ ^, ⁸ ^, ⁵ , Sylvie Remy ⁹ ^, ⁷ ^, ⁸ ^, ⁵ , Gudrun Koppen ⁹ ^, ⁷ ^, ⁸ ^, ⁵ , Anna Rotander ¹⁰ ^, ¹¹ ^, ¹² ^, ¹³ ^, ¹⁴ , Eduardo Bolea-Fernandez ¹ ^, ² ^, ³ ^, ⁴ ^, ⁵ , Frank Vanhaecke ¹ ^, ² ^, ³ ^, ⁴ ^, ⁵

Publication date (Electronic): 2021

Journal: Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry

Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

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Abstract

In this review we discuss the novel developments in mass spectrometry-based analytical methods for size determination, chemical identification, and quantification of the microplastic and nanoplastic in indoor air and dust.

Abstract

Development of analytical methods for the characterization (particle size determination, chemical identification, and quantification) of the low μm-range microplastics (MPs; 1–10 μm) and nanoplastics (NPs; 1 nm to 1 μm) in air – coarse (PM ₁₀; <10 μm), fine (PM _2.5; <2.5 μm) and ultrafine (PM ₁; <1 μm) particulate matter – is a quickly emerging scientific field as inhalation has been identified as one of the main routes of human exposure. The respiratory tract may serve as both target tissue and port of entry to the systemic circulation for the inhaled MPs and NPs with their small particle size. As an outcome, the interest of the scientific community, policy makers, and the general public in indoor airborne MPs and NPs increased tremendously. However, there is a lack of detailed knowledge on the indoor and outdoor sources of MPs and NPs, their levels, and their health impact. This is mainly related to a lack of standardized sampling and analytical methods for size determination, chemical identification, and quantification. In this review, recent developments in mass spectrometry-based analytical methods for size determination, chemical identification, and quantification of the MPs and NPs in indoor air and dust, are discussed.

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Joana Correia Prata, João P da Costa, Isabel Fernanda Lopes … (2019)

Microplastics are ubiquitous environmental contaminants leading to inevitable human exposure. Even so, little is known about the effects of microplastics in human health. Thus, in this work we review the evidence for potential negative effects of microplastics in the human body, focusing on pathways of exposure and toxicity. Exposure may occur by ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact due to the presence of microplastics in products, foodstuff and air. In all biological systems, microplastic exposure may cause particle toxicity, with oxidative stress, inflammatory lesions and increased uptake or translocation. The inability of the immune system to remove synthetic particles may lead to chronic inflammation and increase risk of neoplasia. Furthermore, microplastics may release their constituents, adsorbed contaminants and pathogenic organisms. Nonetheless, knowledge on microplastic toxicity is still limited and largely influenced by exposure concentration, particle properties, adsorbed contaminants, tissues involved and individual susceptibility, requiring further research.

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Nanotoxicology: An Emerging Discipline Evolving from Studies of Ultrafine Particles

Günter Oberdörster, Eva Oberdörster, Jan Oberdörster (2005)

Although humans have been exposed to airborne nanosized particles (NSPs; < 100 nm) throughout their evolutionary stages, such exposure has increased dramatically over the last century due to anthropogenic sources. The rapidly developing field of nanotechnology is likely to become yet another source through inhalation, ingestion, skin uptake, and injection of engineered nanomaterials. Information about safety and potential hazards is urgently needed. Results of older bio-kinetic studies with NSPs and newer epidemiologic and toxicologic studies with airborne ultrafine particles can be viewed as the basis for the expanding field of nanotoxicology, which can be defined as safety evaluation of engineered nanostructures and nanodevices. Collectively, some emerging concepts of nanotoxicology can be identified from the results of these studies. When inhaled, specific sizes of NSPs are efficiently deposited by diffusional mechanisms in all regions of the respiratory tract. The small size facilitates uptake into cells and transcytosis across epithelial and endothelial cells into the blood and lymph circulation to reach potentially sensitive target sites such as bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, and heart. Access to the central nervous system and ganglia via translocation along axons and dendrites of neurons has also been observed. NSPs penetrating the skin distribute via uptake into lymphatic channels. Endocytosis and biokinetics are largely dependent on NSP surface chemistry (coating) and in vivo surface modifications. The greater surface area per mass compared with larger-sized particles of the same chemistry renders NSPs more active biologically. This activity includes a potential for inflammatory and pro-oxidant, but also antioxidant, activity, which can explain early findings showing mixed results in terms of toxicity of NSPs to environmentally relevant species. Evidence of mitochondrial distribution and oxidative stress response after NSP endocytosis points to a need for basic research on their interactions with subcellular structures. Additional considerations for assessing safety of engineered NSPs include careful selections of appropriate and relevant doses/concentrations, the likelihood of increased effects in a compromised organism, and also the benefits of possible desirable effects. An interdisciplinary team approach (e.g., toxicology, materials science, medicine, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, to name a few) is mandatory for nanotoxicology research to arrive at an appropriate risk assessment.