We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Soil microplastic analysis: a harmonized methodology
AI summary Read the abstract
This review critically evaluates existing methods for sampling, separating, identifying, and quantifying microplastics in soils, and proposes a comprehensive eight-phase analytical methodology. Researchers emphasize that most current soil microplastic methods were adapted from marine research without adequately accounting for the complexity and heterogeneity of soil ecosystems. The study calls for globally coordinated standardization efforts to improve comparability of microplastic measurements across different soil studies.
Microplastics (MPs) are contaminants of global concern, especially considering their widespread use. However, a systematic and comprehensive analytical procedure is not yet standardized for MPs in soils. Most of the methods have primarily been modified from existing marine research without acknowledging the inherent complexities of sampling and analyzing MPs in soil ecosystems. This review critically evaluates existing sampling, separation, identification, and quantification methods for MPs in soils and proposes a comprehensive methodology comprising eight phases for analyzing MPs in soils. We emphasize the importance of the soil sampling planning phase before conducting soil MP analyses and the necessity to assess physicochemical properties. Novel methods should be developed, and existing analytical approaches must be adequately modified and refined, given the heterogeneity of soils. Soil MP analyses should be coordinated globally by utilizing existing networks and infrastructure for soils, crops, and food security research and biomonitoring in conjunction with environmental and material sciences. This critical review may be an effective model for developing global standards for MP analysis in soils, focusing on the new regulations initiated by the UNEP to develop a legally binding agreement on plastic pollution.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic in Soil: a Review of Detection Methods
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines published approaches for detecting and identifying microplastics in soil environments, synthesizing sampling, extraction, and characterization methods to address the lack of standardization that hinders cross-study comparisons. Researchers found that unifying detection methods is essential for developing a common understanding of microplastic prevalence and impact in terrestrial ecosystems.
Sample Preparation Techniques for the Analysis of Microplastics in Soil—A Review
AI summary Read the abstract
Sample preparation techniques for microplastic analysis in soil were reviewed and compared, noting that methods developed for aquatic systems are often inadequate for the complexity of soil matrices. The review highlights newly developed soil-specific methods and emphasizes the need for standardization to enable reliable comparison of terrestrial microplastic data.
Microplastics in soils: assessment, analytics and risks
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines microplastic prevalence, analytical methods, and risks in soils, finding that terrestrial microplastic contamination has received far less attention than marine accumulation despite comparable or greater abundance. Researchers evaluated current difficulties in soil microplastic sampling, isolation, and identification and called for standardised methodologies to assess ecological and human health risks.
Quality assessment of research studies on microplastics in soils: A methodological perspective
AI summary Read the abstract
A methodological quality assessment of published soil microplastic studies identified widespread inconsistencies in extraction, identification, and reporting protocols that limit comparability and reliability of findings. The review recommends adoption of standardized quality criteria to improve the rigor and reproducibility of soil microplastic research.
Research Progress on Separation and Detection Methods of Microplastics in Soil Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes methods for separating and detecting microplastics in soil environments, identifying the most effective analytical approaches and highlighting the need for standardization to improve comparability across studies.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.