A Novel Analytical Approach to Assessing Sorption of Trace Organic Compounds into Micro‐ and Nanoplastic Particles

Assessing the sorption of trace organic compounds (TOrCs) into micro‐ and nanoplastic particles has traditionally been performed using an aqueous phase analysis or solvent extractions from the particle. Using thermal extraction/desorption–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TD‐Pyr‐GC/MS) offers a possibility to analyze the TOrCs directly from the particle without a long sample preparation. In this study, a combination of two analytical methods is demonstrated. First, the aqueous phase is quantified for TOrC concentrations using Gerstel Twister® and TD‐GC/MS. Subsequently, the TOrCs on the particles are analyzed. Different polymer types and sizes (polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), 48 μm; polyethylene (PE), 48 μm; polystyrene (PS), 41 μm; and PS, 78 nm) were analyzed for three selected TOrCs (phenanthrene, triclosan, and α‐cypermethrin). The results revealed that, over a period of 48 h, the highest and fastest sorption occurred for PS 78 nm particles. This was confirmed with a theoretical calculation of the particle surface area. It was also shown for the first time that direct quantification of TOrCs from PS 78 nm nanoparticles is possible. Furthermore, in a mixed solute solution, the three selected TOrCs were sorbed onto the particles simultaneously.