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

Sampling, separation, detection and characterization of micro- and nanoplastics dispersed natural water bodies and ecosystems is a challenging and critical issue for a better understanding of the hazards for the environment posed by such ubiquitous and still nearly unknown 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 a broad range 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. In addition, the first 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, and their significance for a better understanding of the fate of floating or stranded plastic debris will be discusse