Analytical investigation of microparticles and microfibres released by agricultural mulch films and disposable wet wipes in the environment

The project focuses on the development and optimization of analytical protocols for the characterisation of agricultural mulch films and commercial wet wipes composed of biodegradable polymers, related additives, and for the study of their physical-chemical behaviour during degradation processes. Commercial products were subjected to artificial and natural ageing ang the aged materials were investigated with a multianalytical approach including mass spectrometric analysis by evolved gas analysis-mass spectroscopy (EGA-MS) and multi-shot pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) to study possible alterations of polymeric and additives composition. The research provided advanced analytical tools and knowledge for a better evaluation of the environmental impacts associated with the use of biodegradable products, in view of supporting monitoring and remediation strategies.