High-resolution TD-PTR-MS as a novel analytical technique for nanoplastic detection– quantification in high-altitude glacial snow samples

High-resolution TD-PTR-MS as a novel analytical technique for nanoplastic detection – quantification in high-altitude glacial snow samples
Milena Latz¹, Alasdair J Gill², Robin Milner², Dušan Materić^1
1Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig/DE
²www.high-level-route.com
On the Haute Route – a known 19th century mountaineering route from Chamonix (France) to Zermatt (Switzerland), snow samples were taken on high-altitude glacial levels (2364-3734 m). Analyzing samples from less travelled areas allows for a general picture of current effects of human-made plastic pollution beyond our urban scope. In these remote regions, environmental pollution is mainly airborne and distributed via winds. In this case, especially small plastic particles of sizes <1 µm (nanoplastics) can be easily transported through the atmosphere and even reach remote places. Nanoplastic particles pose a large threat, not only to the ecosystem, but also to human health. Being carried by the air, these small particles can enter our respiratory system via inhalation, accumulate, and even introduce harmful substances such as chemicals, viruses, or bacteria into our system. In order to  further study current pollution levels and the effects on human health, an increased research in this field is necessary. To achieve this, glacial surface samples were analyzed for nanosized plastic particles via high-sensitivity TD-PTR-MS. Seven different plastic types (PE, PP, PS, PVC, PET, TWP, PTFE) were successfully detected.
TD-PTR-MS is a novel analytical method established for the detection of nanoplastics. While analysis of one sample can already be achieved in 15 min without lengthy preliminary steps, sample processing involves a more extensive pipeline. Both qualitive and semi-quantitative analysis of our environmental sample allowed for a detailed insight into plastic pollution in remote areas. Further analysis of the generated data through atmospheric particle dispersion modelling subsequently enables an outlook on the origins of plastic pollution detected.
The presented results were made possible through a citizen-science project in collaboration with the High Level Route Expedition (HLR-2022, https://www.high-level-route.com/). Especially in the field of environmental research, sample collection can be both a costly and time-intensive task. Moreover, travelling to remote, high-altitude areas can be dangerous for scientists lacking the necessary mountaineering training. Collaborations like these allow for safe, effective, and fast sampling at multiple sites at once, highlighting the importance of citizen-science projects for current research. With the promising results of the previous project in mind, we are introducing the Global Atmospheric Plastic Survey (GAPS, https://gaps2024.com/). This sampling project collaborates with mountaineers from across the world, generating data on plastic pollution on high-altitude remote regions worldwide. In this work, we can already report preliminary results from remote glaciers in Bolivia and the Tian Shen mountain range.