The Chromatography Forum

of Delaware Valley

Join us at EAS 2025 for a joint meeting with the North Jersey Chromatography Discussion Group!!

Plastic Waste Analysis through Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography

Plastic waste presents dual analytical challenges: microscopic fragments dispersed in the environment (microplastics, MPs) and chemically complex mixtures formed during thermal conversion into waste plastic pyrolysis oils (WPPOs). Accurate, high-resolution chemical measurements are essential for both understanding the organic composition of MPs and optimizing the valorization of plastic waste. This talk surveys recent advances in the use of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) to unravel the molecular complexity of WPPOs and MPs. Finally, it outlines future research and implementation priorities needed to expand the role of advanced analytics in supporting responsible and effective plastic waste management.