What Multimodal Approaches Unlock in Microplastic Analysis

Microplastics in the environment could pose a threat to the ecosystem and the organisms that reside in it. As a result, researchers are continuing to explore new, improved methods that can classify and differentiate microplastics in the environment.

One of those techniques being explored is single-particle inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (sp-ICP-MS). However, researchers are finding out that sp-ICP-MS can be improved by integrating the technique with mass analyzers.

In the below video clip, David Clases, who is an associate professor at the University of Graz, discusses his research on sp-ICP-MS with various mass analyzers, such as quadrupole and time-of-flight (TOF), to analyze environmental particulates.¹ He discovered that TOF-based analyzers provided a more comprehensive view of the diverse nano and micro-sized particulates present in the environment.¹

However, he and his team recognized the limitations of elemental selective techniques and sought to develop a platform that could navigate the nano- and micro-scales for a more complete understanding of environmental contaminants. By integrating ICP-MS with other complementary methods, they aimed to create a system capable of screening for a broader range of particulates, not just elements, to achieve a more holistic environmental analysis.¹

What is single-particle ICP-MS?

Single-particle ICP-MS (sp-ICP-MS) analytical method used to quantify and characterize sub-micrometer–sized particles. This technique allows researchers to determine the elemental composition, concentration, and size distribution of both engineered and natural nanoparticles by measuring individual ion clouds in plasma.^2,3 Unlike traditional light scattering methods, spICP-MS offers element-selective detection, making it a powerful tool for distinguishing specific materials like gold or silver within complex mixtures.^2,3 Although quadrupole mass spectrometers typically track one element at a time, the text highlights how time-of-flight instruments can capture a full elemental spectrum for every particle. Despite its growing popularity in research, several experts emphasize that achieving accurate results requires significant expertise to manage variables like calibration and detection limits.^2,3 Ultimately, the source frames spICP-MS as a critical emerging technology for monitoring the rising number of nanomaterials in commercial products and the environment.

To watch the full interview segment with Clases, you can find it in the literature.¹

References

1. Clases, D.; Wetzel, W. How Trimodal OF2i–Raman–ICP-TOFMS Is Changing Microplastic Analysis. Spectroscopy Online, 2026. https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/how-trimodal-of2i-raman-icp-tofms-is-changing-microplastic-analysis (accessed July 29, 2026).
2. Thomas, R.; Stephan, C. Single-Particle ICP-MS: A Key Analytical Technique for Characterizing Nanoparticles. Spectroscopy 2017, 32 (3). Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/single-particle-icp-ms-key-analytical-technique-characterizing-nanoparticles
3. Olesik, J. W. Single Particle ICP-MS: From Engineered Nanoparticles to Natural Nanoparticles. Spectroscopy 2020, 35 (7). Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/single-particle-icp-ms-engineered-nanoparticles-natural-nanoparticles