8C: Analytical Methods for Microplastics and Nanoplastics and Potential Product Stewardship Applications

Grand Hyatt Denver 

Room: Aspen Ballroom 

CM Credit Hours: 1 

With regulatory initiatives for micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) under development, manufacturers and stakeholders are seeking appropriate methods to determine whether MNPs are present in or generated by consumer products. Although analytical methods for detecting, quantifying, and characterizing MNPs have been developed and technologies continue to advance, very few standard methods have been published.

Selecting the most appropriate method for a given situation depends on one's product stewardship objectives. Challenges when selecting analytical methods for NMPs include varying detection limits for size determination. While some methods quantify mass, others destroy the physical structure of MNPs. Some methods characterize physical (that is, shape) or chemical (including polymers, additives, and surface chemicals) aspects of MNPs, but few measure all of these characteristics simultaneously. The size, shape, and chemistry of MNPs also play a critical role in understanding their health effects and behavior in the environment.

This session will address available analytical methods for characterizing MNPs in various media, method advantages and limitations, how some methods can inform toxicology and risk assessment, and how to effectively leverage data resources such as spectral libraries.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe the broad range of available MNP analytical methods and how they may be implemented to address product stewardship objectives.
• Compare and contrast the available analysis methods, particularly their advantages and disadvantages, and the extent to which results can inform toxicology and risk assessment.
• Explain California's two standard methods for monitoring microplastics in drinking water.
• Identify available data resources such as spectral libraries, the information they include, and how product stewards can leverage these tools.
 

Emerging Global Regulatory Issues - General

Domain I: Assessment, Impact Analysis, & Risk Management

Introductory

Polling