Humanity produces several hundred million tons of plastic each year, a large portion of which ultimately ends up as waste in the environment. Once plastics enter the natural ecosystem, they begin to fragment under the influence of UV radiation, mechanical stress, and biological activity, generating billions of nanoparticles. These nanoplastics are now present almost everywhere on Earth: in oceans, rivers, soil, and air, and consequently also in drinking water and food. As a result, an average adult may intake up to one million nanoparticles each day, primarily through ingestion and inhalation. This exposure may have serious health consequences: nanoplastics can trigger metabolic disorders and may disrupt the functioning of nervous and digestive systems. Among liquids, the consumption of beverages from plastic bottles represents a particularly significant risk factor, as these drinks can contain exceptionally high number of nanoparticles.

The detection of plastic nanoparticles is extremely challenging, as their size is smaller than the wavelength of visible light; therefore, traditional microscopy and spectroscopic methods can only be applied to a limited extent. The aim of the proposed research is to develop and utilize advanced analytical methods capable of isolating nanoplastics from air and water samples, determining their precise concentration and size distribution, and characterizing their physical and chemical properties.

The PhD student’s tasks will include developing sampling procedures for nanoplastics present in water and atmospheric aerosols, performing microscopy and Raman spectroscopy analyses and characterization of the collected samples, and, in collaboration with our research partners, monitoring their toxicity in living organisms. A key objective is to establish a direct experimental link between the detected nanoplastics and their neurobiological effects. The results obtained will contribute to a more accurate description of environmental exposure and a deeper understanding of its physiological consequences that may provide a basis for developing mitigation strategies.

The PhD student will have the opportunity to work in a young and motivated research team, using the most modern experimental techniques available at the Nanostructures Department of the Centre for Energy Research.

Applicants should contact Gábor Piszter (piszter.gabor@ek.hun-ren.hu) or visit the lab at the KFKI Campus (1121 Budapest, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33), building 26, room 21A.