With a Grain of Plastic Navigating the Unvalidated Territories of Microplastic and Nanoplastic Analysis

Microplastics and nanoplastics have been found in the water we drink and the food we eat, raising growing concerns about their potential impact on human health. Yet scientists have long struggled to measure them accurately, making it difficult to understand how much we are truly exposed to.
In this PhD, I developed improved ways to detect and study these particles. By making measurements more reliable, this research provides a clearer picture of how widespread microplastics are in bottled water and what their chemical composition is. In addition, I investigated nanoplastics from both a chemical and physical perspective, helping to pave the way toward a better understanding of how these tiny particles may interact with the human body.
Overall, this work helps close a critical knowledge gap. Without reliable data, meaningful risk assessment is not possible. By improving how we measure these contaminants, this research supports better scientific understanding and helps policymakers make informed decisions to protect public health