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Standardizing microplastic quantification by scanning electron microscopy: Structural performance of filter membranes and implications from bottled drink analysis
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Scientists testing how labs count microplastics in bottled drinks found that the type of filter used to trap these tiny plastic bits can seriously skew the results—some filters cause plastic particles to clump together or get stuck, making counts unreliable. They identified one filter type (called PCTE) that gives the most accurate, consistent counts, which matters because reliable measurement is the first step to understanding how much plastic we're actually consuming and whether it poses health risks.
Filtration methods are widely used for microplastic (MP) isolation, yet filter membrane selection can introduce substantial bias into MP quantification. In this study, five types of membranes, classified as single-layer-hole [polycarbonate track-etched (PCTE)], multilayer-fiber [polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and glass fiber (GF)], and multilayer-hole [mixed cellulose esters (MCE) and nylon (NY)], were systematically compared for MP quantification. Particle abundance was quantified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-based visual counting on membranes. Polystyrene (PS) microspheres exhibited superior dispersion on single-layer-hole (PCTE) and multilayer-fiber (PTFE) membranes. However, partial particle embedding occurred in multilayer-fiber membranes (PTFE and GF), whereas pronounced aggregation occurred on multilayer-hole membranes (MCE and NY). Accordingly, PCTE exhibited the most stable quantification performance across PS concentrations and pH conditions, with RSD values of 3.05-17.68%. Application to bottled drinks further showed that PCTE improved the differentiation of particle abundance among brands. LDIR analysis indicated that the collected particles from bottled drinks consisted of both MPs, mainly polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polybutadiene rubber, and polyvinyl chloride, as well as non-MPs (54.50% - 81.29%). Overall, selection of appropriate membranes is critical for MP quantification, and single-layer-hole PCTE membranes are recommended for reliable visual counting and improved comparability across studies.
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Scientists have created a reliable way to make lab-designed plastic particles (down to nanoscale) that mimic how real plastic breaks down and behaves in water over time, then tested them in bottled drinking water to see how well they could be detected and measured. This matters because having standardized "practice" microplastic particles helps researchers develop better tools to accurately detect and measure the tiny plastic bits we may be drinking and eating, an essential first step before scientists can properly study their health effects.
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Researchers developed a simple mapping method for microplastic filter collectors that improves the efficiency and accuracy of microscopic analysis. The technique uses a systematic grid approach to scan filter membranes, reducing the time and effort needed to locate and identify microplastic particles. The method offers a practical improvement for laboratories conducting routine microplastic quantification from environmental samples.
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