Optimization of microplastics analytics and the generation of fluorescent polyethylene terephthalate for toxicity studies

Abstract

As plastic production and consumption continue to increase, so does its impact on the environment. The extent to which plastic is present in our ecosystems and the manner in which it affects them has not yet been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, the following thesis focuses on the investigation of possi- ble micro- and nanoplastics entry paths into the environment, the optimization of its analysis methods in environmental samples, and the approach to generate a reference material for future toxicity studies of nano-sized plastics in organisms.