Measuring particle size distribution and mass concentration of nanoplastics and microplastics: addressing some analytical challenges in the sub-micron size range

Abstract Hypothesis The implementation of the proposal from European Chemical Agency (ECHA) to restrict use nanoplastics (NP) and microplastics (MP) in consumer products will require reliable methods perform size mass-based concentration measurements. Analytical challenges arise at nanometre micrometre interface, e.g., 800 nm–10 µm, where techniques applicable scale reach their upper limit applicability approaches must be pushed lower limits detection. Experiments Herein, we compared performances nine analytical by measuring particle distribution polystyrene mixtures containing both nano microparticles, with educational aim underline limitations each technique. Findings Light scattering-based measurements do not have resolution distinguish multiple populations polydisperse samples. Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), nano-flowcytometry (nFCM) asymmetric flow field fractionation hyphenated multiangle light scattering (AF4-MALS) cannot measure particles range. Static (SLS) is able accurately detect below 200 nm, similarly transmission electron microscopy (TEM) cytometry (FCM), suitable for accurate Alternatives high-resolution sizing range between 60 nm 5 µm are tunable resistive pulse sensing (TRPS) centrifugal liquid sedimentation (CLS), that can bridge gap