Abstract：
Microplastics and nanoplastics have become noteworthy contaminants, affecting not only outdoor ecosystems but also making a notable impact within indoor environments. The release of microplastics and nanoplastics from commonly used plastic items remains a concern, and the characterisation of these contaminants is still challenging. This study focused on evaluating the microplastics and nanoplastics produced from plastic building bricks. Using Raman spectroscopy and correlation analysis, the plastic material used to manufacture building blocks was determined to be either acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (correlation value of 0.77) or polycarbonate (correlation value of 0.96). A principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm was optimised for improved detection of the debris particles released. Some challenges in microplastic analysis, such as the interference from the colourants in the building block materials, was explored and discussed. Combining Raman results with scanning electron microscopy - energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, we found the scratches on the building blocks to be a significant source of contamination, estimated several thousand microplastics and several hundred thousand nanoplastics were generated per mm2 following simulated play activities. The potential exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics during play poses risks associated with the ingestion and inhalation of these minute plastic particles.
摘要：
微塑料和纳米塑料已经成为值得注意的污染物，不仅影响室外生态系统，而且对室内环境产生显著影响。从常用的塑料制品中释放微塑料和纳米塑料仍然是一个问题，这些污染物的特征仍然具有挑战性。这项研究的重点是评估塑料建筑砖生产的微塑料和纳米塑料。利用拉曼光谱和相关分析,用于制造结构单元的塑料材料被确定为丙烯腈丁二烯苯乙烯(相关值0.77)或聚碳酸酯(相关值0.96)。优化了主成分分析（PCA）算法，以改善对释放的碎片颗粒的检测。微塑料分析中的一些挑战，例如建筑砌块材料中着色剂的干扰，进行了探索和讨论。将拉曼结果与扫描电子显微镜-能量色散X射线光谱相结合，我们发现积木上的划痕是一个重要的污染源，模拟游戏活动后，估计每平方毫米会产生数千个微塑料和数十万纳米塑料。游戏过程中潜在的微塑料和纳米塑料暴露会带来与摄入和吸入这些微小塑料颗粒相关的风险。
