Sampling techniques and preparation methods for microplastic analyses in the aquatic environment – A review

Stock, Friederike; Kochleus, Christian; Bänsch-Baltruschat, Beate; Brennholt, Nicole; Reifferscheid, Georg

doi:10.1016/j.trac.2019.01.014

Cited by 327 publications

(157 citation statements)

References 64 publications

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“…Environmental samples commonly contain interfering, nonplastic materials. Widely used treatments employ the low specific gravity and high chemical resistance of synthetic polymers (Stock et al, ) to remove interfering materials. Flotation/sedimentation to separate microplastics from denser materials, such as minerals, is regularly utilized.…”

Section: The Nature Of Plastics and Microplasticsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As some polymers (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and nylon) have densities exceeding water, a high‐density saline solution (e.g., NaCl, NaI, or ZnCl 2 ) may be employed to facilitate their flotation. In addition, researchers often employ a step to destroy interfering natural materials such as biofouling on plastic surfaces and cellulose and chitin particles (Stock et al, ). Hydrogen peroxide and Fenton's reagent are most commonly employed, although alternatives include acid, base, or a suite of enzymes that target specific classes.…”

Section: The Nature Of Plastics and Microplasticsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Global Perspective on Microplastics

Hale¹,

Seeley²,

Guardia³

et al. 2020

JGR Oceans

733

270

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Society has become increasingly reliant on plastics since commercial production began in about 1950. Their versatility, stability, light weight, and low production costs have fueled global demand. Most plastics are initially used and discarded on land. Nonetheless, the amount of microplastics in some oceanic compartments is predicted to double by 2030. To solve this global problem, we must understand plastic composition, physical forms, uses, transport, and fragmentation into microplastics (and nanoplastics). Plastic debris/microplastics arise from land disposal, wastewater treatment, tire wear, paint failure, textile washing, and at-sea losses. Riverine and atmospheric transport, storm water, and disasters facilitate releases. In surface waters plastics/microplastics weather, biofoul, aggregate, and sink, are ingested by organisms and redistributed by currents. Ocean sediments are likely the ultimate destination. Plastics release additives, concentrate environmental contaminants, and serve as substrates for biofilms, including exotic and pathogenic species. Microplastic abundance increases as fragment size decreases, as does the proportion of organisms capable of ingesting them. Particles <20 μm may penetrate cell membranes, exacerbating risks. Exposure can compromise feeding, metabolic processes, reproduction, and behavior. But more investigation is required to draw definitive conclusions. Human ingestion of contaminated seafood and water is a concern. Microplastics indoors present yet uncharacterized risks, magnified by the time we spend inside (>90%) and the abundance of polymeric products therein. Scientific challenges include improving microplastic sampling and characterization approaches, understanding long-term behavior, additive bioavailability, and organismal and ecosystem health risks. Solutions include improving globally based pollution prevention, developing degradable polymers and additives, and reducing consumption/expanding plastic reuse.

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Section: The Nature Of Plastics and Microplasticsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: The Nature Of Plastics and Microplasticsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Global Perspective on Microplastics

Hale¹,

Seeley²,

Guardia³

et al. 2020

JGR Oceans

733

270

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…After adequate site selection, which is the first element that needs to be evaluated to obtain a representative sample (according to the hydrodynamic conditions and environmental features of the area), different environmental matrices can be collected to evaluate the impact of microplastics on freshwater systems [154].…”

Section: Sampling and Analysis Of Environmental Mpsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Sampling of the water column can be done by direct filtration of water or by the acquisition of batch samples [154]. In one study [157], for example, a rotating drum sampler was used.…”

Section: Sampling Of Floating Mps and Those Along The Water Columnmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Microplastic Contamination in Freshwater Environments: A Review, Focusing on Interactions with Sediments and Benthic Organisms

et al. 2020

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Plastic is one of the most commonly produced and used materials in the world due to its outstanding features. However, the worldwide use of plastics and poor waste management have led to negative impacts on ecosystems. Plastic degradation in the environment leads to the generation of plastic particles with a size of <5 mm, which are defined as microplastics (MPs). These represent a global concern due to their wide dispersion in water environments and unclear potential ecotoxicological effects. Different studies have been performed with the aim of evaluating the presence and impacts of MPs in the marine environment. However, the presence of MPs in freshwater systems is still poorly investigated, making data retrieval a difficult task. The purpose of this review is to identify the main aspects concerning MPs pollution sources in lakes and rivers, with a focus on freshwater sediments as a site of accumulation and as the habitat of benthic organisms, which are key components of food webs and play a fundamental role in energy/contaminant transfer processes, but are still poorly considered. Through this review, the sources and fate of MPs in freshwater are analysed, ecotoxicological studies focused on sediments and benthic fauna are exposed, the most frequently used sampling and analysis strategies are reported, and future trends of MPs analysis in this field are proposed.

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Techniques for Microplastics Detection in Urban Water Systems

Li²,

Liu³

et al. 2022

Microplastics in Urban Water Management

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Sampling techniques and preparation methods for microplastic analyses in the aquatic environment – A review

Cited by 327 publications

References 64 publications

A Global Perspective on Microplastics

A Global Perspective on Microplastics

Microplastic Contamination in Freshwater Environments: A Review, Focusing on Interactions with Sediments and Benthic Organisms

Techniques for Microplastics Detection in Urban Water Systems

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