Detection of emerging pollutants adsorben on microplastics by SERS spectroscopy

Abstract

In the environment, microplastics frequently act as chemical vectors, transporting several toxic compounds adsorbed on their surface. Such aspect of microplastic pollution evidences the complexity of this pollutant, demanding new analytical approaches for its monitoring. The present project aims to develop an efficient methodology for detecting emerging contaminants adsorbed on the surface of microplastics using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. The contaminants of interest include caffeine, octocrylene, and diquat, which are widely used in food, cosmetics, and agricultural pesticides, respectively. The research will be conducted under controlled and optimized conditions to promote the adsorption of these compounds onto pristine and aged microplastics. Subsequently, the surfaces of the microplastics, doped with contaminants, will be analyzed by SERS to identify and quantify the compounds of interest. The experiments will be conducted at low concentrations (in the order of µg/L), compatible with the levels found in environmental conditions. The development of this methodology is crucial for understanding how microplastics interact with emerging contaminants in various environmental compartments. The ability to detect and analyze these adsorbed contaminants will provide important insights into the environmental and public health risks associated with the presence of contaminated microplastics.