Analytical pyrolysis for the qualitative and quantitative determination of airborne microplastics and nanoplastics

Summary

Airborne microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging contaminants of global concern due to their persistence, widespread distribution, and potential health impacts. With sizes comparable to PM2.5, they are inhalable and may penetrate deep into the respiratory tract. Their detection and quantification remain challenging because of low environmental concentrations, complex matrices, and particle sizes often below the detection limits of current micro spectroscopic techniques. Pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) offers a powerful mass-based approach, enabling identification and quantification of polymers regardless of particle size. This review critically examines current methodologies for airborne MNP analysis using Py-GC-MS, including sampling strategies, pretreatment protocols, instrumental parameters, and data modeling approaches. A technological readiness level assessment highlights limited methodological harmonization and insufficient validation, particularly for nanoplastics. Progress toward routine atmospheric monitoring requires standardized workflows, agreed polymer-specific markers, interlaboratory validation, and improved reporting practices to establish Py-GC-MS as a cornerstone technique for airborne MNP assessment.