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A critical review of the novel analytical methods for the determination of microplastics in sand and sediment samples
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This review critically assessed novel analytical methods for detecting microplastics in sand and sediment samples, comparing extraction procedures and identification techniques while highlighting the need for standardized protocols across laboratories.
Microplastics (MPs) form the most investigated plastic category since their size (1 μm- 5 mm) enables them to accumulate in various environmental compartments and to be ingested by biota. Beach sand and sediment can be indicators of the MP contamination levels of the coastal and marine ecosystem and, thus, they are widely analyzed. With the increasing number of publications in recent years, there is a need for constant updates on the variety of extraction and analysis procedures developed. Thus, this review aims to evaluate the sample preparation techniques for MPs and provide a critical discussion on their determination in sand and sediment based on studies published in the last 5 years. We also report the conditions imposed by the MPs identification and quantification techniques on sample preparation and MPs isolation as well as the materials used in the procedures. Finally, we address the expectations and new challenges related to instrumental innovations.
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This critical review assessed current approaches to characterizing microplastics in aquatic environments, evaluating sampling methods, extraction protocols, and analytical techniques. It identified persistent inconsistencies in methodology and recommended standardization practices to improve data comparability.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.