A Resilient In Situ Raman-Based Framework for Identifying Thermally Aged Microplastics: Validation in Waste-to-Energy Incineration.

Key Points

• The study aims to develop a framework for identifying thermally aged microplastics (MPs) derived from waste-to-energy incineration.
• Developed an in situ Raman-based identification framework for aged microplastics.
• Analyzed atmospheric microplastics with a median particle length of 9.0 μm.
• Focused on the impact of incineration-derived MPs on environmental and inhalation risks.
• Identified robust Raman signatures for thermally aged microplastics.
• Highlighted significant environmental risks associated with incineration-derived MPs.