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Considerations when using microplates and Neubauer counting chamber in ecotoxicity tests on microplastics
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This study identified microplate and Neubauer counting chamber materials as potential sources of microplastic contamination in ecotoxicity tests, recommending precautionary measures and alternative labware to reduce background contamination in experiments.
The ubiquity of microplastics raises issues regarding contamination control measures and laboratory practices. The objective was to adapt the use of counting chambers and plastic microplates on the ecotoxicity evaluation of microplastics. Counting chambers, originally used to quantify cells, can also be used to count high concentrations of microplastics (<100 μm) used in laboratory assays. By decontaminating the chamber and mixing the test solution with Nile Red (1:1), fluorescent particles can be easily counted under optical microscopy. Microplate wells, due to their composition, can be contaminated or release microplastics to the test medium, which can interfere with the results of ecotoxicity assays or spectroscopy readings. A cleaning method based on ethanol was developed, which effectively removed particles by 91% without interfering with microalgae yield. Besides providing practical applications that can improve ecotoxicity assays, this work intends to raise awareness on the need to adapt laboratory practices when working with microplastics.
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Identifying laboratory sources of microplastic and nanoplastic contamination from the air, water, and consumables
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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.
Common laboratory reagents: Are they a double-edged sword in microplastics research?
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This study tested whether common laboratory reagents themselves are contaminated with microplastics and found measurable plastic particles in several widely used chemicals, raising the concern that lab reagents could be an overlooked source of contamination in microplastic research.
Plastic-on-Plastic: Underestimated Contamination Risks in Micro- and Nanoplastic Research
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Researchers reviewed how the plastic lab equipment, airborne fibers, and purified water used in microplastic and nanoplastic experiments contribute unintended contamination to samples, demonstrating scenarios where laboratory-derived particles can match or exceed intended experimental doses and thereby skew dose-response findings.
Potential sources of microplastic contamination in laboratory analysis and a protocol for minimising contamination
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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.
Potential Artifacts and Control Experiments in Toxicity Tests of Nanoplastic and Microplastic Particles
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This review highlighted potential measurement artifacts and the importance of proper control experiments in toxicity studies of nanoplastics and microplastics. The study cautions that antimicrobials, surfactants, and other additives present in commercial plastic particle dispersions may account for observed toxic effects rather than the particles themselves, emphasizing the need for rigorous experimental design in microplastic toxicology research.
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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.