EPISODE

EPISODE Project

Microplastics (MPs), polymer particles smaller than 5 mm, are present in all environmental compartments. However, there is currently limited data on the sources and concentration levels of MPs found in indoor environments. The study of these emerging pollutants in indoor environments is therefore a priority in order to better understand the exposure associated with their presence. It also involves major challenges, both in terms of sampling methods and analytical techniques, in order to provide reliable and relevant data.

The EPISODE project aims to investigate the sources and fate of MPs in indoor environments and to assess the exposure of occupants to these pollutants in indoor environments.

First, the sources of MPs found indoors will be characterised using a multi-parameter approach involving several stages:

• Different MP sampling methods suitable for indoor environments will be evaluated.

• Different analytical methods will be tested for their complementarity, including spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, Raman), spectrometric techniques (SIFT-MS, GC/LC-MS) and microscopic techniques (SEM). In addition, emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) from MPs will be assessed.

• Finally, the mechanisms underlying MP generation will be investigated.

All these analyses will provide a better understanding of the sources of MPs observed in real-world indoor environments.

In parallel, the ageing of MPs will be studied under controlled conditions through laboratory experiments. These experiments will assess changes in MPs following exposure to atmospheric oxidants present in indoor air and to light (UV-Vis), providing a better understanding of the chemical and physical ageing processes of MPs and their influence on indoor air quality.

These experiments will be complemented by the study of the adsorption/desorption behaviour of MPs under controlled conditions. Different types of MPs will be exposed to various VOCs, either individually or in mixtures. Their adsorption onto MPs will be quantified in order to determine the role of MPs as vectors for gaseous pollutants.

Finally, the optimised methods developed during the EPISODE project for sampling and analysing MPs in indoor environments will be implemented during measurement campaigns in nurseries, in both winter and summer. These campaigns will provide data on MP exposure among infants and young children.

The main types of MPs will therefore be characterised and their main sources identified. In addition, the overall results will be used to develop a robust protocol for sampling and analysing MPs in indoor environments.