ABSTRACT
The high-resolution infrared spectrum of the fundamental band ν12 (ring breathing) of the chiral molecule propylene oxide (CH3CHCH2O) was recorded at room temperature and under jet-cooled conditions using a quantum cascade laser at 8 µm. The observed lines with quantum numbers J ≤ 55 and Ka ≤ 21 were assigned to strong b- and c-type bands, and some low J transitions were classified as weak a-type transitions. The lines were fitted using a Watsons A-reduced Hamiltonian in the Ir representation. From the rovibrational analysis the band origin as well as the rotational constants and four quartic centrifugal distortion constants were derived.
ABSTRACT
Considering the well documented, almost ubiquitous nature of microplastics in different environments, the exposure of pregnant women to microplastics may pose risks to the unborn children. The study focused on investigating the presence of microplastics in amniotic fluid and placenta, and brings the first evidence of the simultaneous presence of microplastics and additives in both human amniotic fluid and placentas. In total, 20 samples of amniotic fluid and placenta from 10 patients were analyzed for the presence of microplastics and plastic additives by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy - attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) after alkaline digestion with KOH. In 9 out of 10 patients, microplastics or additives were found in amniotic fluid, placenta, or both. Specifically, 44 particles of microplastics and polymer additives were identified in all samples. Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) and Calcium zinc PVC Stabilizer with particle sizes between 10 and 50 µm prevailed. Although all women involved in this study, who provided placenta and amniotic fluid samples, experienced physiological, singleton pregnancies complicated with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM), it is too early to draw any conclusions and more research is needed.