Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry for Microplastics

LCGC International spoke to Damià Barceló, honorary adjunct professor in the Chemistry and Physics Department at the University of Almeria, Spain, about his work analyzing 12 common plastic polymers using Py-GC–MS.

Microplastics (MPs) are widespread environmental pollutants, originating from industrial raw materials, consumer products, and plastic fragmentation. LCGC International spoke to Damià Barceló, honorary adjunct professor in the Chemistry and Physics Department at the University of Almeria, Spain, about his work analyzing 12 common plastic polymers using pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC–MS), a technique that offers precise identification and quantification. Sample collection, validation parameters, and analytical challenges are discussed, emphasizing the value of Py-GC–MS potential for microplastic research.