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Overview of microplastics pollution with heavy metals: Analytical methods, occurrence, transfer risks and call for standardization
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This review systematically assessed current methods for detecting and measuring heavy metals that accumulate on microplastics in the environment. Researchers found significant inconsistencies across studies in sample preparation, measurement techniques, and reporting units, making it difficult to compare results globally. The study calls for standardized protocols to improve our understanding of how microplastics transport heavy metals through ecosystems and the potential risks this poses.
The identification and quantification of metals in microplastics are necessary to determine their exposure levels as well as to understand their potential toxicity in the environment linked to the ubiquity of microplastics. The readiness of effective protocols and measurement techniques for accurate metal quantification is of utmost importance. This first review, based on 28 original articles, provides a systematic assessment of the current protocols for extraction, detection and quantification of metals in microplastics and the challenges associated with them. Quality assurance and quality control measures are also summarized. Great variations of microplastic samples in terms of characteristics, number, mass and unit were noted. Wet acid and microwave acid digestion methods were commonly employed for metal extraction from microplastics using a combination of acids such as HF, HCl, HNO and HSO at different concentrations and reaction conditions. Adaptation of one or multiple characterization techniques including, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy has been considered. The discrepancies in methodology and elements analyzed between studies produce variable results and troublesome comparison. Having considered the need for a standard procedure, this review highlighted several suggestions towards standardization and recommended perspectives for future research.
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