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Peer-reviewedCC BY 4.0Molecules

Tracking Small Microplastics and Plastic Additives in Freshwater: An Integrated Analytical Approach

  • Greta Palombella1,2
  • Beatrice Rosso1,2,3
  • Elisa Scalabrin1,2
  • Roberta Zangrando1,2
  • Andrea Gambaro1,2
  • Fabiana Corami1,2
  1. 1Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca’ Foscari University, via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy
  2. 2Institute of Polar Sciences—National Research Council (CNR-ISP), via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy
  3. 3National Interuniversity Consortium for Environmental Sciences (CINSA), via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy
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Abstract

Microplastic (MP) and plastic additive (PA) pollution in freshwater systems threatens drinking water safety. This study proposes an integrated multi-analytical approach to characterize small microplastics (SMPs < 100 μm), PAs, and other microlitter components (MLCs) in a canal supplying a drinking water treatment plant. The method combines Micro-FTIR spectroscopy for particulate SMP and MLC identification with HPLC-Orbitrap for Non-Targeted Screening (NTS) and Suspect Screening Analysis (SSA) of dissolved PAs. Results showed the highest SMP abundance in Autumn (10,116 SMPs L−1), with 20 polymer types identified. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was most abundant, followed by high-density polyethylene (HDPE); tire wear particles (TWPs) were also detected. Micro-FTIR identified antistatic agents, fillers, and lubricants as the main particulate PAs. SMPs averaged 57 μm in length and 32 μm in width. HPLC-Orbitrap revealed a predominance of plasticizers and flame retardants, specifically diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phosphate (DBP), tributyl phosphate (TBP), and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP). Although EU regulations highlight the need to monitor MPs, specific regulatory limits and standardized treatment removal efficiencies remain undefined. This comprehensive assessment of particulate and dissolved fractions establishes a methodological framework to guide future safety standards and optimize water treatment.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{palombella2026tracking,
  title = {{Tracking Small Microplastics and Plastic Additives in Freshwater: An Integrated Analytical Approach}},
  author = {Greta Palombella and Beatrice Rosso and Elisa Scalabrin and Roberta Zangrando and Andrea Gambaro and Fabiana Corami},
  journal = {Molecules},
  year = {2026},
  month = nov,
  doi = {10.3390/molecules31213973},
  url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/21/3973},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Tracking Small Microplastics and Plastic Additives in Freshwater: An Integrated Analytical Approach
AU  - Greta Palombella
AU  - Beatrice Rosso
AU  - Elisa Scalabrin
AU  - Roberta Zangrando
AU  - Andrea Gambaro
AU  - Fabiana Corami
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/11/04
JO  - Molecules
DO  - 10.3390/molecules31213973
UR  - https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/21/3973
AB  - Microplastic (MP) and plastic additive (PA) pollution in freshwater systems threatens drinking water safety. This study proposes an integrated multi-analytical approach to characterize small microplastics (SMPs < 100 μm), PAs, and other microlitter components (MLCs) in a canal supplying a drinking water treatment plant. The method combines Micro-FTIR spectroscopy for particulate SMP and MLC identification with HPLC-Orbitrap for Non-Targeted Screening (NTS) and Suspect Screening Analysis (SSA) of dissolved PAs. Results showed the highest SMP abundance in Autumn (10,116 SMPs L−1), with 20 polymer types identified. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was most abundant, followed by high-density polyethylene (HDPE); tire wear particles (TWPs) were also detected. Micro-FTIR identified antistatic agents, fillers, and lubricants as the main particulate PAs. SMPs averaged 57 μm in length and 32 μm in width. HPLC-Orbitrap revealed a predominance of plasticizers and flame retardants, specifically diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phosphate (DBP), tributyl phosphate (TBP), and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP). Although EU regulations highlight the need to monitor MPs, specific regulatory limits and standardized treatment removal efficiencies remain undefined. This comprehensive assessment of particulate and dissolved fractions establishes a methodological framework to guide future safety standards and optimize water treatment.
SN  - 1420-3049
ER  -