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Techniques for Collecting Micro Plastics in Freshwaters and Sediments
Summary
This review examined sampling methods used across 150 studies on microplastics in freshwater bodies and sediments, finding significant variation in sampling tools, mesh sizes, and analytical approaches that make it difficult to compare results across studies. Standardizing sampling and analysis protocols is one of the most pressing needs in microplastic research. Without comparable methods, it is difficult to assess the true extent of freshwater microplastic contamination globally.
Microplastic pollution is becoming more of a worry as a result of their widespread occurrence in biological and environmental media, as well as their potential toxicity and propensity to transport additional contaminants. Microplastics in freshwaters are still a new topic of study. We looked at 150 studies to see what procedures and tools were used to sample microplastics, fluids, and sediments in freshwater ecosystems. Manta trawls are the most commonly used devices in microplastic studies of sediments, while shovel, trowel, spade, scoop, and spatula are the most commonly used instruments in microplastic studies of surface water. For deep sediment sample, the Van Veen grab is commonly used. The development of effective approaches for minimising identification time and effort, as well as detecting smallersized plastic particles, is required.