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Microplastic sampling techniques in freshwaters and sediments: a review
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This review analyzed 150 studies on microplastic sampling methods in freshwater environments and sediments, identifying the most commonly used tools and techniques. Researchers found that manta trawls are the primary method for surface water sampling, while shovels and grab samplers are most common for sediment collection. The study highlights the need for standardized sampling approaches and better methods to detect the smallest plastic particles in freshwater systems.
Pollution by microplastics is of increasing concern due to their ubiquitous presence in most biological and environmental media, their potential toxicity and their ability to carry other contaminants. Knowledge on microplastics in freshwaters is still in its infancy. Here we reviewed 150 investigations to identify the common methods and tools for sampling microplastics, waters and sediments in freshwater ecosystems. Manta trawls are the main sampling tool for microplastic separation from surface water, whereas shovel, trowel, spade, scoop and spatula are the most frequently used devices in microplastic studies of sediments. Van Veen grab is common for deep sediment sampling. There is a need to develop optimal methods for reducing identification time and effort and to detect smaller-sized plastic particles.
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Techniques for Collecting Micro Plastics in Freshwaters and Sediments
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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.
Comparison between manta trawl and in situ pump filtration methods, and guidance for visual identification of microplastics in surface waters
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Methods for microplastic sampling and analysis in the seawater and fresh water environment
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This review summarized and compared sampling and analysis methods for microplastics in marine and freshwater environments — including trawls, manta nets, pump filtration, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy — and called for standardization to enable cross-study comparisons of pollution levels.
Tools and Techniques to Analyse Microplastic Pollution in Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems
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This review catalogues the tools and techniques used to sample, visualize, and quantify microplastic pollution across aquatic and terrestrial environments, from plankton nets and sediment corers to spectroscopic identification methods. Having standardized, well-documented methods is essential for generating consistent data on microplastic contamination that can guide environmental protection policies.
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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.