Understanding the Source, Distribution, and Fate of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Natural Water Bodies

Sampling, separation, detection, and characterization of micro- and nanoplastics dispersed in natural water bodies and other ecosystems is a challenging and critical issue for a better understanding of the hazards for the environment posed by such ubiquitous and still poorly known form of pollution. There is still the need for cost-efficient, exhaustive, reliable and accurate analytical protocols allowing the quantification of these pollutants and of the toxic pollutants that they are known to act as concentrators for. The first results of broader research aiming at setting up new and effective methodologies and analytical protocols for the accurate determination of different polymeric pollutants in marine and freshwater sediments will be presented. Among them, preliminary results of a follow-up investigation on the low molecular weight volatile organic compounds released upon photo-oxidative degradation of microplastics will also be presented. Their significance for a better understanding of the fate of floating or stranded plastic debris will be discussed.