We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Cross-Contamination as a Problem in Collection and Analysis of Environmental Samples Containing Microplastics—A Review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines cross-contamination as a systematic problem in microplastic research, finding that synthetic fibers from clothing, laboratory plastics, and airborne particles can contaminate samples during collection and analysis, and reviewing methods to minimize and account for procedural contamination.
Research conducted so far on the presence of microplastics in the environment shows that these items are ubiquitous pollutants and therefore constitute an inherent part of our lives. This constitutes a significant problem in many aspects, and one of them is the correct identification of microplastics in environmental samples. Environmental samples can be easily contaminated by plastic microparticles from other sources if proper precautions are not taken during sampling and analysis. The consequence of not taking this cross-contamination into account when analysing the results may be their significant overestimation. This review aims to draw attention to the problem of cross-contamination that accompanies the collection and analysis of samples for the presence of microplastics, and to discuss this issue in a comprehensive manner. The article indicates potential sources of cross-contamination, lists the mitigation methods, and describes the possibilities of assessing this type of contamination. Moreover, the review examines how cross-contamination control appears in practice, based on the available literature data.
More Papers Like This
Are we contaminating our samples? A preliminary study to investigate procedural contamination during field sampling and processing for microplastic and anthropogenic microparticles
AI summary Read the abstract
A pilot study investigated procedural contamination during field sampling and laboratory processing of water samples for microplastics, finding that synthetic clothing and air exposure during processing introduced measurable levels of synthetic fibers into samples, arguing for standardized contamination controls.
Potential sources of microplastic contamination in laboratory analysis and a protocol for minimising contamination
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists identified multiple sources of microplastic contamination that can be accidentally introduced during laboratory analysis of biological samples, including from lab water, chemicals, and air. By filtering reagents, pre-treating glass fiber filters, and using a clean working environment, they reduced lab-introduced contamination by 70–100%. These findings are important for accurate microplastic research: without such precautions, studies can significantly overestimate how much plastic is actually present in animal tissues or environmental samples.
Contamination issues as a challenge in quality control and quality assurance in microplastics analytics
AI summary Read the abstract
This review evaluated contamination control practices in 50 microplastic research studies and found that most only followed about 4 out of 10 recommended quality control measures. Since microplastics are present everywhere including indoor air, inadequate precautions can lead to sample contamination and overestimation of environmental concentrations. The study proposes seven specific measures to improve result quality and reliability in future microplastic sampling and analysis.
Assuring quality in microplastic monitoring: About the value of clean-air devices as essentials for verified data
AI summary Read the abstract
This study developed a practical method for quantifying background microfiber contamination introduced during laboratory sample processing, arguing that clean-air devices and contamination controls are essential for reliable microplastic analysis. Without accounting for lab-introduced fibers, environmental contamination levels can be significantly overestimated.
Identifying laboratory sources of microplastic and nanoplastic contamination from the air, water, and consumables
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers systematically tested common laboratory materials and procedures for plastic contamination and found that water sources, airflow, dust, and even glassware can introduce significant amounts of micro- and nanoplastics into samples. Surprisingly, glass consumables and aluminum foil, both commonly recommended as contamination controls, were themselves sources of plastic particles. The findings highlight that current best practices for preventing sample contamination in microplastic research may need to be revised.
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.