Roughly 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the world’s oceans annually.[1] This waste degrades over time resulting in persistent microscopic and nanoscale particles that can enter the food chain. There is a growing public awareness of the potential risks associated with these materials and an increasing focus on assessing this risk and understanding mechanisms of degradation. This research opportunity addresses the complex and challenging issue of isolating and analyzing micro- and nanoplastics of diverse origin using novel analytical approaches.  Specifically, this research will focus on (1) development of laboratory methods to produce controlled-size micro- and nanoplastics; (2) development of field-flow fractionation methods combined with multi-detector online characterization to isolate subpopulations; (3) development of surface chemical and chromatographic approaches to separate subpopulations based on composition; (4) development of surface/near surface chemical analysis methods to differentiate material origins and to evaluate the degradation process; (5) development of methods to detect and analyze surface adsorbed species on micro- and nanoplastics under various exposure scenarios. Advanced facilities for fractionation (multi-detector FFF), physical characterization (MALS, DLS, TEM, SEM, AFM) and bulk/surface chemical analysis (EDX, XPS, SIMS, ATR-FTIR) are available to support this research. Additional techniques may be accessible as required.

[1] “All-consuming plastic,” A. Scott, Chemical and Engineering News, 4 Feb 2019, pp. 28-33

key words

nanoplastics; microplastics; metrology; separation; field flow fractionation; surface chemistry; x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy; secondary ion mass spectrometry; attenuated total reflectance FTIR

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants