We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Production, labeling, and applications of micro- and nanoplastic reference and test materials
Summary
This study reviews methods for producing, labeling, and applying micro- and nanoplastic reference and test materials for research purposes. The researchers address the growing need for in-house production of standardized test materials, driven by challenges in extracting these particles from the environment and the limited range of commercially available options.
The challenges inherent to the extraction of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) from the environment and the limited range of commercially available MNPs have prompted an increasing number of researchers to generate in-house reference and test MNPs.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Small micro- and nanoplastic test and reference materials for research: Current status and future needs
This review highlights the critical shortage of well-characterized, environmentally relevant reference materials for studying small microplastics and nanoplastics. Most laboratory studies use commercially available spherical particles that do not represent the irregular, weathered particles found in nature. The authors call for developing standardized reference materials that better mimic real-world microplastic contamination to improve the reliability of exposure and hazard assessments.
Preparation of Nanoplastic Particles as Potential Standards for the Study of Nanoplastics
Researchers developed methods to prepare well-defined nanoplastic particles as potential reference standards for nanoplastic research, addressing the critical shortage of reliable materials for toxicity studies and analytical method validation. The study characterized the size, shape, and surface properties of the produced particles to confirm their suitability as standards.
Quality-by-design and current good practices for the production of test and reference materials for micro- and nano-plastic research
Researchers outlined best practices for producing standardized reference materials used in micro- and nanoplastic research, covering both top-down fragmentation and bottom-up precipitation methods. They provided examples using common polymers like polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and PET across different size ranges. The study addresses a critical need in the field, since reliable reference materials are essential for validating the analytical methods used to detect and measure plastic pollution.
Small micro- and nanoplastic test and reference materials for research: Current status and future needs
This review highlights the lack of realistic test materials for studying small microplastics and nanoplastics, noting that most lab studies use uniform, spherical particles that do not represent what is actually found in the environment. Better reference materials that match the irregular shapes, sizes, and chemical makeup of real-world plastic particles are needed to accurately assess risks to organisms and human health.
The micro-, submicron-, and nanoplastic hunt: A review of detection methods for plastic particles
This review systematically summarizes detection and characterization methods for micro-, submicron-, and nanoplastics, providing recommendations for method validation, standardization, and analytical pathways suited to different sample types and research goals.