Abstract: Microplastics are small plastic particles that have contaminated our food and water sources, and even the air we breathe. Microplastics can attract and absorb other harmful pollutants from their surroundings, which significantly increases their overall health hazard. To better understand this complex process, we are developing a technique to determine the composition of microplastics at different depths within the particle, providing a 3D view of where dangerous chemicals are located. This research aims to improve our understanding of microplastic chemistry and support future studies focused on their human health impact.

Bio: Dr. Samantha Kruse is a postdoctoral appointee in the Analytical Science and Corrosion Department at Sandia National Laboratories. She earned her B.S. in Chemistry from Northern Arizona University and her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California, San Diego, where she studied the chemical transformations of sea spray aerosol in the atmosphere. At Sandia, Dr. Kruse is focused on developing innovative analytical techniques to tackle emerging challenges related to national security.