Tiny Plastics, Big Questions: Advances in Microplastics & Nanoplastics Analysis
Tiny Plastics, Big Questions: Advances in Microplastics & Nanoplastics Analysis
Plastic particles are now recognized as widespread environmental contaminants, ranging from nanoplastics (<1 µm) to microplastics (<5 mm), and have been detected in drinking water, food, air, soil, and consumer products. As concerns over human exposure continue to grow, there is an increasing need for analytical technologies that can accurately detect, size, separate, and characterize these particles across a broad size range.
This webinar explores complementary analytical approaches for comprehensive plastic particle characterization. The first presentation highlights light scattering-based techniques for nanoplastics, demonstrating how Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) enables rapid screening of particle size and concentration, while Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation coupled with Multi-Angle Light Scattering (AF4-MALS) provides high-resolution size separation, absolute particle sizing, and fraction collection for downstream chemical identification.
The second presentation focuses on high-throughput methodologies for microplastics in drinking water, illustrating approaches that detect, count, size, and characterize particles from a variety of water sources. Case studies will examine commercially available drinking water products and discuss how packaging materials, storage conditions, and temperature can influence measured microplastic levels.
Together, these presentations demonstrate how complementary analytical technologies provide a more complete understanding of plastic particle populations across the nano- and microscale, enabling researchers to address emerging environmental and human exposure questions with greater confidence.
Presenter: Udayabagya (Bud) Halim (Sr. Product Marketing Analyst, Waters Corporation)
Bud Halim is a senior marketing analyst at Waters, where he applies his background in materials science and biochemistry to scientific and technical marketing. He holds a PhD in physical chemistry from UCLA. Prior to joining Waters, Bud worked as an applications scientist, supporting customers across chemistry and manufacturing environments. At Waters, he supports the light scattering and particle analysis portfolio, translating advanced characterization technologies into practical solutions for polymer, biopharma, and other scientific and industrial applications.
Presenter: Karessa White (Sr. Market Applications Scientist, Waters)
Dr. Karessa White is a Sr. Market Application Scientist at Waters Corporation. She obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Florida in Communication Sciences and Disorders emphasizing auditory neuroscience. After spending time serving her country as a United States Army Medical Service Officer, Karessa now leverages her expertise and training in molecular biology and analytical science to help biotherapeutic developers create safe and stable drugs.
