Merle Maria Plassmann

Merle Maria Plassmann is a Senior Staff Scientist in the Department of Environmental Science at Stockholm University, where she conducts research on environmental contaminants, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Her work spans analytical method development, environmental fate studies, and human exposure assessment.

Dr. Plassmann's research focuses on environmental chemistry with emphasis on PFAS analysis and fate. She has developed and refined methods for total fluorine determination, extractable organofluorine analysis, and non-target screening approaches. Her work has documented PFAS contamination in diverse matrices including textiles, cosmetics, artificial turf, ski waxes, and marine environments. She has made significant contributions to understanding the environmental fate of these persistent compounds and their pathways to human exposure.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on methodological development for PFAS analysis, human exposure assessment through biomonitoring studies, and investigation of PFAS in consumer products. Her work frequently employs advanced analytical techniques including combustion ion chromatography, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and non-target screening approaches. The research demonstrates consistent investigation of both known and emerging fluorinated compounds across environmental and biological matrices.

Dr. Plassmann has been involved in significant research projects including 'The organohalogen iceberg,' which aims to identify known and unknown halogenated compounds in water and sludge from sewage treatment plants. Her collaborative work spans multiple European institutions and addresses critical questions regarding environmental contamination and human exposure to persistent organic pollutants.

Her research has important implications for environmental regulation and public health, particularly regarding consumer product safety, drinking water quality, and understanding exposure pathways for persistent environmental contaminants. The methodological advances she has contributed to are helping standardize approaches for detecting and quantifying fluorinated compounds in complex environmental matrices.