Assessment of sample pre-treatment strategies to mitigate matrix effects for microplastics analysis using thermoanalytical techniques

The establishment of regulatory thresholds for microplastic concentrations is increasingly recognized as imperative. Therefore, an accurate identification and quantification process is required to ensure the reliability of the measured values when thermonalytical methods were applied. However, the urge for accuracy is hampered by observable matrix effects. Thus, our review aims to assess a spectrum of matrix effect mitigation strategies and finally to propose an analytical workflow that combines the advantages of diverse mitigation approaches. By addressing this topic, our article seeks to contribute to advance the comparability for microplastics analysis and facilitate the establishment of robust regulatory measures. With the analytical workflow proposed in our study, a wide range of matrix effects can be avoided. This can potentially lead to a more accurate analysis. The more accurate analysis allows the determination of realistic environmental concentrations which could lead to more accurate toxicity tests and the establishment of suitable regulatory thresholds. • Matrix effects can hamper the establishment of regulatory thresholds. • Key parameters leading to matrix effects are summarized and characterized. • A workflow that could improve the accuracy of thermoanalytical analysis is proposed.