PlasticFinder project
The main target of the PlasticFinder project is to develop a method for detecting and characterizing airborne nanoplastic particles for the first time in real time in field conditions. This project will be conducted in collaboration between the researchers at Finnish Meteorological Institute and University of Helsinki.
Project description
PlasticFinder -project (Unlocking the mysteries of airborne nano- and microplastic particles using novel ultrasensitive optical measurement method) aims to integrate advanced optical detection technologies with IR-spectroscopy techniques and aerosol enrichment methods, establishing a nanoplastic detection platform for fast real-time, sensitive measurements of concentration and composition of atmospheric nano- and microplastic particles in field conditions.
The other focus areas of the project include:
Investigate how novel photoacoustic methods are suited for determining nano- and microplastic concentrations and identifying different types of plastics.
Study atmospheric nano- and microplastic concentrations in different urban environments.
Examine the main sources of nano- and microplastics in indoor and outdoor air.
Atmospheric nano- and microplastics, their composition, and sources remain poorly characterized. Additionally, the measurement methods currently in use have challenges that prevent real-time detection of nano- and microplastic particles. Real-time detection of nano- and microplastic particles would enable significant scientific breakthroughs in identifying their sources, understanding their spatial and temporal variability, and developing methods to reduce environmental nano- and microplastic concentrations.
The project combines advanced optical detection technologies developed at the University of Helsinki, infrared enhancement techniques, and the expertise of the Finnish Meteorological Institute in collecting and analyzing atmospheric particles to develop and test a novel nano- and microplastic detection instrument.