Aqueous Environmental Samples Research Articles

Parallel-disposable pipette extraction (Pa-DPX) using cork as a green high-throughput method for the determination of four pesticides in environmental water samples with quantification by HPLC-DAD.

This study utilized cork powder as a green alternative for extractor phase using the parallel-disposable pipette extraction (Pa-DPX) method for the determination of pesticides such as atrazine, carbofuran, diuron, and simazine from aqueous environmental samples. The separation/detection was performed by HPLC-DAD. Optimization experimental conditions was achieved through univariate and multivariate designs, resulting in the following parameters: 15mg of cork as extractor phase, 7 extraction cycles with 7.5% (m/v) NaCl in the sample, and 10s were fixed per extraction cycle. For the desorption step, 300 µL of acetonitrile was used as solvent with 1 desorption cycle. The limit of detection and limit of quantification values were 7.5µg L-1 and 25µg L-1 for atrazine, carbofuran, and diuron, and 15.1µg L-1 and 50µg L-1 for simazine, respectively. Linear working range varied from 25 to 400µg L-1 with coefficients of determination (R2) ≥ 0.983. The values of intraday precision varied from 4.9 to 18.1%, and those of interday precision varied from 21.3 to 32.2%. The accuracy of the method was determined through relative recoveries and the values ranged from 63.4 to 119.9%. The water environmental samples were collected at two different locations in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, and showed no detectable pesticides. The method presented here stands out due to the low consumption of sample and reagents, as well as the use of a renewable and biodegradable extraction phase (cork). The method is also a high-throughput alternative, due to the use of the Pa-DPX apparatus, which allows the preparation of up to five samples simultaneously.

Identifying Quinones in Complex Aqueous Environmental Media (Biochar Extracts) through Tagging with Cysteine and Cysteine-Contained Peptides and High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Analysis.

Quinones are among the most important components in natural organic matter (NOM) for redox reactions; however, no quinones in complex environmental media have been identified. To aid the identification of quinone-containing molecules in ultracomplex environmental samples, we developed a chemical tagging method that makes use of a Michael addition reaction between quinones and thiols (-SH) in cysteine (Cys) and cysteine-contained peptides (CCP). After the tagging, candidates of quinones in representative aqueous environmental samples (water extractions of biochar) were identified through high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) analysis. The MS and UV spectra analysis showed rapid reactions between Cys/CCP and model quinones with β-carbon from the same benzene ring available for Michael addition. The tagging efficiency was not influenced by other co-occurring nonquinone representative compounds, including caffeic acid, cinnamic acid, and coumaric acid. Cys and CCP were used to tag quinones in water extractions of biochars, and possible candidates of quinones (20 and 53 based on tagging with Cys and CCP, respectively) were identified based on the HRMS features for products of reactions with Cys/CCP. This study has successfully demonstrated that such a Michael addition reaction can be used to tag quinones in complex environmental media and potentially determine their identities. The method will enable an in-depth understanding of the redox chemistry of NOM and its critical chemical compositions and structures.

Multi-laser nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA): A unique method to visualize dynamic (shear) and dynamic (Brownian motion) light scattering and quantify nonliving natural organic matter (NNOM) in environmental water

Application of simultaneous multi-laser nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) to environmental water samples to investigate nonliving natural organic matter (NNOM) is introduced as an innovative method for observing particles directly in their native media. Multi-laser NTA results of particle visualization, particle number concentration, and particle size distribution elucidated particle dynamics in low and high total dissolved solids (TDS) aqueous environmental samples. A pond water sample and concentrate from a reverse osmosis (RO) treatment process (Stage 1) had 1.3 × 108 and 5.62 × 1019 particles/mL, respectively, (at time = 0) after filtration at 0.45 μm. Beyond the traditional applications for this instrument, this research presents novel evidence-based investigations that probe the existence of supramolecular structures in environmental waters during turbulence or quiescence. The pond water sample exhibited time-dependent aggregation as the volume distribution shifted to greater diameter during quiescence, compared to turbulence. Disaggregation (increased numbers of particles over time) was noted in the >250 nm to <600 nm region, and aggregation of >450 nm particles was also noted in the quiescent RO concentrate sample, indicative of depletion of small particles to form larger ones. Multi-laser NTA and dynamic light scattering (DLS) capabilities were compared and contrasted. DLS and NTA are different (complementary) particle sizing techniques. DLS yielded more information about the physical hydrogel in the NNOM hierarchy whereas multi-laser NTA better characterized meta-chemical and chemical hydrogel characteristics. Operationalization of innovation—moving from fundamental investigations to application—is supported by implementing novel analytical instrumentation as we address issues involving climate change, drought, and the scarcity of potable water. Multi-laser NTA can be used as a tool to study and optimize complex water and wastewater treatment processes. Questions about water treatment efficiencies, membrane fouling, assistance of pollutant transport, and carbon capture cycles affected by NNOM will benefit from insights from multi-laser NTA.

Rapid and sensitive detection of paracetamol in environmental aqueous samples using MnO2 nanosheet-based colorimetric sensing platform

Rapid and sensitive detection of paracetamol in environmental aqueous samples using MnO2 nanosheet-based colorimetric sensing platform

Nonenzymatic electrochemical approaches for promethazine monitoring in aquatic media

Promethazine hydrochloride (PMH) is a phenothiazine derivative extensively utilized in healthcare settings. Its excessive consumption and continuous release into environmental water bodies can lead to adverse effects on human health and disrupt the equilibrium of aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, monitoring PMH levels is essential to maintain therapeutic efficacy and safeguard the well-being of both humans and aquatic life. This study encompasses the synthesis of samarium tungstate nanorods (SmWO) via hydrothermal method, followed by their incorporation into a composite with sulfur-doped graphitic carbon nitride (SmWO/SGCN) using ultrasonication technique. The morphology and physicochemical properties of the synthesized composite were thoroughly examined using various analytical methods. Subsequently, the electrocatalytic activity of the developed sensor was assessed for sensing PMH via voltammetry techniques. Under optimized conditions, the fabricated electrode exhibited an 8.1 nM detection limit with a wide linear range (0.02–199 µM), and high sensitivity (2.349 µA µM−1 cm−2) for PMH detection. The suggested SmWO/SGCN composite electrode shows promising practical potential for detecting PMH in environmental aquatic samples.

Electroextraction of methylene blue from aqueous environmental samples using paper points coupled with hollow fiber membranes

This article introduces a novel approach by coupling paper points with hollow fiber membrane for electroextraction (PP–HF-EE). The method was innovatively applied to extract methylene blue (MB) from large water volumes (up to 580 mL). A comprehensive study of six key parameters – organic filter, acceptor and donor phase composition, extraction time, applied voltage, and sample volume – was conducted using conventional flatbed scanning and digital image analysis. Our results revealed that extraction performance was primarily influenced by time, with low voltages (50 V) and low-conductivity organic filters (1-decanol) yielding comparable results to higher settings (300 V or 1-pentanol). Under optimized conditions (50 V, 60 min, 1-decanol as the organic filter), analytical performance parameters were assessed, demonstrating acceptable precision (RSD <18% for intra- and inter-day measurements) within a linear range of 5–100 μg L−1 (r = 0.98). PP–HF–EE demonstrated reliability through stable and reproducible electric current measurements during all extraction studies. Utilizing an extremely cost-effective detection system, PP–HF–EE achieved detection limits in the low ppb range, highlighting its potential as a promising variation of electromembrane extraction for environmental sample analysis.

Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode Modified with Carbon Nanotubes and Copper Film as a Simple Tool for Determination of Trace Concentrations of Lead Ions.

A copper film-modified, carboxyl-functionalized, and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT-COOH)-modified screen-printed carbon electrode (CuF/MWCNTs/SPCE) was used for lead determination using anodic stripping voltammetry. The main parameters were investigated and optimized during the development of the research procedure. The most optimal electrolyte concentrations were determined to be 0.4 M HCl and 6.3 × 10-5 M Cu(II). The optimal parameters for voltammetric stripping measurements are as follows: an accumulation potential of -0.7 V; an accumulation time of 120 s; and a pulse amplitude and pulse time of 120 mV and 2 ms, respectively. The effect of surface active substances and humic substances as potential interferents present in aqueous environmental samples was investigated. The validation of the procedure was carried out using certified reference materials, like waste water SPS-WW1 and environmental matrix TM-25.5. In addition, the developed procedure was applied to investigate lead recovery from natural environmental water, such as rivers and lakes.

High-resolution genomic analysis to investigate the impact of the invasive brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and other wildlife on microbial water quality assessments.

Escherichia coli are routine indicators of fecal contamination in water quality assessments. Contrary to livestock and human activities, brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), common invasive marsupials in Aotearoa/New Zealand, have not been thoroughly studied as a source of fecal contamination in freshwater. To investigate their potential role, Escherichia spp. isolates (n = 420) were recovered from possum gut contents and feces and were compared to those from water, soil, sediment, and periphyton samples, and from birds and other introduced mammals collected within the Mākirikiri Reserve, Dannevirke. Isolates were characterized using E. coli-specific real-time PCR targeting the uidA gene, Sanger sequencing of a partial gnd PCR product to generate a gnd sequence type (gST), and for 101 isolates, whole genome sequencing. Escherichia populations from 106 animal and environmental sample enrichments were analyzed using gnd metabarcoding. The alpha diversity of Escherichia gSTs was significantly lower in possums and animals compared with aquatic environmental samples, and some gSTs were shared between sample types, e.g., gST535 (in 85% of samples) and gST258 (71%). Forty percent of isolates gnd-typed and 75% of reads obtained by metabarcoding had gSTs shared between possums, other animals, and the environment. Core-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis showed limited variation between several animal and environmental isolates (<10 SNPs). Our data show at an unprecedented scale that Escherichia clones are shared between possums, other wildlife, water, and the wider environment. These findings support the potential role of possums as contributors to fecal contamination in Aotearoa/New Zealand freshwater. Our study deepens the current knowledge of Escherichia populations in under-sampled wildlife. It presents a successful application of high-resolution genomic methods for fecal source tracking, thereby broadening the analytical toolbox available to water quality managers. Phylogenetic analysis of isolates and profiling of Escherichia populations provided useful information on the source(s) of fecal contamination and suggest that comprehensive invasive species management strategies may assist in restoring not only ecosystem health but also water health where microbial water quality is compromised.

Detection of RNA presence of different coronaviruses in aquatic environmental samples

Detection of RNA presence of different coronaviruses in aquatic environmental samples

Environmental Sample Stability for Pharmaceutical Compound Analysis: Handling and Preservation Recommendations.

Efficient and resilient techniques for handling samples are essential for detecting pharmaceutical compounds in the environment. This study explores a method for preserving water samples during transport before quantitative analysis. The study investigates the stability of 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2), acetaminophen (ACM), oxytetracycline (OTC), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and trimethoprim (TMP) after preconcentration within solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. Through various experiments involving different holding times and storage temperatures, it was determined that four pharmaceutical compounds remained stable when stored for a month at 4°C and for six months when stored at -18°C in darkness. Storing these compounds in SPE cartridges at -18°C seemed effective in preserving them for extended periods. In addition, ACM, TMP, OTC, EE2, and SMX remained stable for three days at room temperature. These findings establish guidelines for appropriate storage and handling practices of pharmaceutical compounds preconcentrated from aqueous environmental samples using SPE.

Transcriptome analysis confirms aquatic animals have less risk by carrying on human respiratory viruses

Aquatic animals are an important source of food for humans, yet little is known about their potential to transfer zoonotic viruses. Multiple recent cases of SARS-CoV-2 from cold-chain aquatic food and environmental samples has evoked worldwide concerns, and even though these cases pale in comparison to poultry and livestock. To investigate the potential threat of food from aquatic animals, we map their transcriptomes to the genomes of human respiratory- and intestine-related viruses. Analyses only find an influenza virus sequence in a salmon (Salmo salar) skin transcriptome. BLAST and phylogenetic analyses identify this sequence as influenza A, and this likely owes to contamination from a worker. Thus, when prepared properly, aquatic animals can provide great nutritional benefits to humans while posing minimal health risks.

Direct Spectrofluorimetric Method for the Analysis of Carbofuran and Fluometuron in Senegalese Natural Waters.

In this work, analytical study of carbofuran (CAF) and fluometuron (FLM) pesticides was carried out using direct spectrofluorimetric method in various solvents. Results showed that CAF and FLM are naturally fluorescent in all solvents under study including organic (MeOH, MeCN, DMF) and aqueous micellar one (CTAC, SDS, Brij-700). For the analysis of FLM, CTAC give the best fluorescence signal enhancement. Analytical performances, such as limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) was evaluated after solvent optimization and were found to vary, respectively, between 0.1 and 11 ng mL- 1 and between 0.3 and 36.6 ng mL- 1. Analytical application in various environmental aqueous samples matrices (sea, tap, runoff and well waters) give satisfactory recovery rates in the limits of 73.7-113.7% for both pesticides. This method is described for its simplicity for routine analysis.

Compatibility of polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) with compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) of substituted chlorobenzenes

Compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) is a powerful technique to demonstrate in situ degradation of traditional groundwater contaminants when concentrations are typically in the mg/L range. Currently, an efficient preconcentration method is lacking to expand CSIA to low aqueous concentration environmental samples. Specially for the H- and N-CSIA of heteroatom-bearing non-traditional compounds, the CSIA analytical detection limits are significantly higher than that of the C-CSIA. This work demonstrates the compatibility of polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) with C-, H-, and N-CSIA using four nitro- and amino-substituted chlorobenzenes that are common industrial feedstocks for numerous applications and are commonly detected in the environment at mg/L to μg/L range. Using lab experiments, we showed isotopic equilibrium in POCIS was achieved after 30 days with either a negligible (<0.5 ‰) or a constant shift for C (<1 ‰) and N (<2 ‰). Similar negligible (<5 ‰) or constant shift (<20 ‰) was evident for H isotope except for 3,4-dichloroaniline. The method quantification limits for the combined sorbent and membrane of one POCIS were comparable to that of the solid phase extraction (SPE) using 10 L water. Next, we demonstrated the field applicability of POCIS for C- and N-CSIA after a 60-day deployment in a pilot constructed wetland by showing <1 ‰ difference between the δ13C and δ15N obtained from POCIS and SPE. Finally, we evaluated whether the biofilm development on POCIS membrane could affect the isotope signature of the sampled compounds during field deployment. Although a diverse microbial community was identified on the membrane after a 60-day deployment, we did not observe significant isotope fractionation. This was likely due to either slower diffusion in the biofilm or microbial degradation of the sampled compounds. This work demonstrates the potential of using POCIS-CSIA as a simple, fast, and sensitive method for low-concentration contaminants, such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and flame-retardants.

In-situ preparation of β-cyclodextrin-crosslinked polymer coated glass fiber for in-tube solid-phase microextraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from water samples

Governments and organizations are paying increasing attention to the monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the environment. In this study, a β-cyclodextrin-based hyper-crosslinked polymer (β-CD-HCP) was prepared via the Friedel–Crafts reaction and used as a coating for an in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) glass fiber based on an in-situ preparation method. Subsequently, it was used for the analysis of six PAHs in water samples. The β-CD-HCP showed an excellent adsorption performance for the PAHs owing to its unique structural characteristics and multiple bonding forces (hydrophobic interaction, π–π, and electrostatic interactions) between the β-CD-HCP and PAHs. The adsorption mechanism of the β-CD to PAHs was investigated using density functional theory calculation experiments. By coupling high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector, an online analysis method was established for the PAHs with a wide linear range (0.01–20 µg L–1), high enrichment factor (2130–2670), and low limits of detection (0.004–0.008 µg L–1). The PAHs in the water samples were successfully analyzed using this proposed online method with satisfactory recoveries in the range of 79.9–106.7% and relative standard deviations under 4.0%. The above results demonstrate that the prepared β-CD-HCP-based IT-SPME glass fiber has good application prospects for the pretreatment of PAHs in various aqueous environmental samples.

GNOME: A Gaseous Nitrogen Oxide Measuring front-End for aqueous environmental materials

GNOME is a straightforward and easy to build sample handling apparatus, designed to prepare dissolved nitrogen oxide species in aqueous environmental samples. GNOME is designed to serve as a sample preparation device for downstream chemiluminescent analysis. It is based on the familiar chemistry ring stand; the major advantage scalability designed to accommodate the needs of the user. Additionally, since GNOME is constructed of discrete, snap-to-fit components, the modular design allows users to easily substitute or replace parts. Given that there are few to zero commercial equivalents, construction plans to fill this hardware gap are offered herein. The inlet can resolve down to a lower limit of at least 0.05 nmoles NOX, and is instrumentally linear to a ≥10 nmoles NOX. The approach increases sample throughput, data quality, and overall user experience, making it more efficient than the off-the-shelf commercial equivalent.

Palladium nanoparticles anchored MoS2-MXene composite modified electrode for rapid sensing of toxic bisphenol A in aqueous media

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a commonly used, highly toxic organic phenolic that can damage the human nervous, reproductive, and immune systems, and thus, a rapid onsite test method is required to detect BPA in environmental samples. In this research, we coated screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) with Pd nanoparticles (NPs) anchored on a MoS2-modified MXene nanoarchitecture for the accurate onsite sensing of BPA contamination in aquatic environmental samples. Pd-MoS2-MXene-SPCEs were prepared using a one-step hydrothermal technique followed by chemical reduction. The optimized SPCE had a low Rctof 63 Ω and excellent electrocatalytic efficiency for BPA oxidation and a remarkably high current density at the lowest anodic potential (0.57 V vs. Ag/AgCl) in 0.05 M phosphate buffer (pH 7). The charge-transfer rate (ks) and the saturation absorption capacity (or surface-excess) (Γ) of the Pd-MoS2-MXene-SPCEs were 3.14 s−1 and 5.62 × 10-9 mol cm−2, respectively. Under optimal conditions, square wave voltammetry responses to BPA concentration were linear in the range 5 to 175 nM, and exhibited high sensitivity (16.205 μA nM−1 cm−2) and a detection limit of 0.12 nM (3.3 σ/s). The optimized SPCE exhibited high reproducibility, reusability, and repeatability with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of < 5.0% and excellent stability and retained 89.2% of its initial sensitivity after 30 days of storage for the onsite sensing of BPA. The prepared sensor showed excellent selectivity for the quantification of BPA even in the presence of electrochemically active interfering compounds such as drugs, pollutants, biological substances, and some common cations/anions. Real-time quantitative analysis of BPA in milk and river and lake water samples was performed, and acceptable recoveries were obtained (from 89.1 to 107.8%) with an RSD of 2.2–3.8%, demonstrating an accuracy similar to that of HPLC.

Identification of genetic relatedness of Mycobacterium ulcerans DNA from human and aquatic environmental samples: One Health approach to Buruli ulcer epidemiology

Buruli ulcer (BU) disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans (M. ulcerans) pathogen, an environmental mycobacterium, which has affinity to inhabit aquatic niches. This disease causes debilitation mostly in children between 3 to 15 years, preventing them from having smooth schooling. Currently, the integration of One Health approach in tackling health challenges is gaining momentum because of the obvious identification of linkages that would proffer more cost-effective and sustainable solution. In this study, the agent-host-environment molecular inter-relatedness in the transmission of Buruli ulcer disease in selected communities in Ogun State, Nigeria contiguous to Benin Republic; a BU epicentre was explored. Extraction of Mycobacterium ulcerans DNA from suspected BU patients, water samples from rivers routinely accessed by the patients and aquatic fauna (fish and crabs) from the same rivers was done. Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) was amplified from the extracted DNA using primers targeting loci 6 and 19; genetic markers used in the study of M. ulcerans diversity. The findings revealed that locus 19 of the VNTR showed presence of M.ulcerans population in water, fish and human samples at the band size of 344bp. Locus 6 further confirmed the initial finding indicating the presence of M. ulcerans population at the band size of 510bp in fish, crab, water and human samples. There is an indication of plausible involvement of fish and crab (animal component), water (environmental component) and humans (host component) in the transmission of M. ulcerans pathogen. From the findings in this work, a possible transmission pathway of M. ulcerans to humans was proposed.

Smart guanyl thiosemicarbazide functionalized dialdehyde cellulose for removal of heavy metal ions from aquatic solutions: adsorption characteristics and mechanism study

In recent years, facing the problem of improving environmental quality, cellulose and cellulose-based (nano) composites have received great attention as adsorbents. In this work, we report the modification and functionalization of cellulose by nitrogen- and sulfur-containing moieties through a three-steps process; native cellulose is first oxidized by potassium periodate (KIO4) to form dialdehyde cellulose (DAC), which then condenses with aminoguanidine and react with phenyl isothiocyanate to form 4-phenyl guanyl thiosemicarbazide dialdehyde cellulose (DAC@GuTSC). The prepared DAC@GuTSC is characterized by a number of techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis (EA), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The prepared DAC@GuTSC adsorbent was used to remove Cu2+ Hg2+ and Pb2+ from aqueous solution and environmental water samples. The influence of various factors on the adsorption efficiency including pH, initial metal concentration, contact time, adsorbent dosage, temperature, and ions interfering with adsorption was investigated. Under optimal adsorption conditions, the adsorption capacity of Cu2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ was 50, 94 and 55 mg g−1, respectively. The adsorption process is well described by the Langmuir model, and it was found to follow the pseudo-second-order kinetics model. The spontaneous and endothermic adsorption of Cu2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ was confirmed by the calculated thermodynamic functions. The prepared DAC@GuTSC composite has been successfully applied to remove Cu2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ from real water samples with recovery greater than 90% and relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 3%. The reasonable Cu2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+adsorption mechanism on the prepared DAC@GuTSC composite has been elucidated.

Green Synthesis of Sulfur- and Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots for Determination of L-DOPA Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy and a Smartphone-Based Fluorimeter.

Sulfur- and nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (S,N-CQDs) were synthesized using feijoa leaves as a green precursor via a novel route. Spectroscopic and microscopic methods such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze the synthesized materials. The blue emissive S,N-CQDs were applied for qualitative and quantitative determination of levodopa (L-DOPA) in aqueous environmental and real samples. Human blood serum and urine were used as real samples with good recovery of 98.4-104.6 and 97.3-104.3%, respectively. A smartphone-based fluorimeter device was employed as a novel and user-friendly self-product device for pictorial determination of L-DOPA. Bacterial cellulose nanopaper (BC) was used as a substrate for S,N-CQDs to make an optical nanopaper-based sensor for L-DOPA determination. The S,N-CQDs demonstrated good selectivity and sensitivity. The interaction of L-DOPA with the functional groups of the S,N-CQDs via the photo-induced electron transfer (PET) mechanism quenched the fluorescence of S,N-CQDs. The PET process was studied using fluorescence lifetime decay, which confirmed the dynamic quenching of S,N-CQD fluorescence. The limit of detection (LOD) of S,N-CQDs in aqueous solution and the nanopaper-based sensor was 0.45 μM in the concentration range of 1-50 μM and 31.05 μM in the concentration range of 1-250 μM, respectively.

Direct Measurement of Microplastics by Carbon Detection via Single Particle ICP-TOFMS in Complex Aqueous Suspensions.

Multiple analytical techniques to measure microplastics (MPs) in complex environmental matrices are currently under development, and which is most suited often depends on the aim(s) of the research question and the experimental design. Here, we further broaden the suite of possible techniques which can directly detect MPs in suspension while differentiating the carbon contained in MPs from other natural particles and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (sp-ICP-MS) is well suited to measuring particles at trace concentrations, and the use of ICP time-of-flight-MS (ICP-TOFMS) allows one to simultaneously monitor the entire elemental spectrum to assess the full elemental composition of individual particles through developing elemental fingerprints. Because carbon is not detected in a standard operation mode with icp TOF, a dedicated optimization was necessary. Subsequently, to assess the feasibility of monitoring 12C particle pulses for the detection of MPs in more complex natural waters, two proof-of-principle studies were performed to measure MPs in waters with environmentally relevant DOC backgrounds (≤20 mg/L) and in the presence of other carbon containing particles, here, algae. Elevated DOC concentrations did not impact the enumeration of particles in suspension, and individual MPs, single algae, and aggregates of MPs and algae were clearly distinguished. The simultaneous identification of different analytes of interest allows for multiplexed sp-ICP-TOFMS experiments utilizing elemental fingerprinting of particles and is a step forward in quantifying MPs in aqueous environmental samples.