We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Protocol for microplastic pollution monitoring in freshwater ecosystems: Towards a high-throughput sample processing - MICROPLASTREAM
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists developed a standardized high-throughput protocol for processing freshwater microplastic samples, addressing the challenge that freshwater samples contain far more organic matter than seawater. Consistent, efficient processing methods are essential for generating comparable microplastic data across different rivers and lakes.
Robust and reproducible quantification of microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems requires the processing of a large amount of samples collected in varying environmental conditions. Such samples are characterized by a high amount of organic matter compared to microplastics and are highly variable in terms of the quantity and the composition of matrices, requiring a standardized analytical protocol for sample treatment and analysis. However, two important and time-consuming steps for microplastic recovery are the elimination of organic matter and microscopic inspection of samples. Here, we developed and validated a protocol, targeting particles with length ranging from 700 µm to 5 mm, that includes a double-step digestion of organic matter, consisting of incubation with potassium hydroxide followed by hydrogen peroxide solutions, and two stereomicroscopic analyses. In addition, we developed several technical improvements allowing reducing the time needed to process samples, such as the design of an adapted filter-cap to improve the content transfer. The absence of physical and chemical alterations in the investigated microplastic pellets and the average reduction of 65.8% (± 9.59 SD) of organic matter in real samples demonstrated that our protocol is fit for purpose. We recommend a second stereomicroscopic analysis to avoid underestimating microplastic concentration and particle size distribution biased towards larger particles. When used for a large-scale monitoring of microplastic pollution, this protocol resulted in an estimated time of 38 h for one person for the treatment of a batch of 24 samples, allowing a higher throughput sample processing and reproducible quantification. • Protocol customization towards high-throughput sample processing • Double step digestion to improve organic matter elimination • Importance of stereomicroscopic analysis for microplastic recovery.
More Papers Like This
Sample preparation methods for the analysis of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems: a review
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed 150 studies on freshwater microplastic sampling to assess which preparation and separation methods are most reliable, finding wide variation in techniques and calling for more standardized approaches so data from different ecosystems can be meaningfully compared.
Validation of microplastic sample preparation method for freshwater samples
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed and validated a standardized sample preparation method for extracting microplastics from freshwater samples, testing enzymatic digestion and density separation steps to improve recovery rates and reduce measurement uncertainty across different particle types.
A straightforward method for microplastic extraction from organic-rich freshwater samples
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a streamlined method for extracting microplastics from organic-rich freshwater samples using centrifugation and enzymatic digestion. They found that the approach effectively concentrated microplastics while preserving their integrity and minimizing contamination, at lower cost than existing methods. The study offers a practical and accessible protocol for laboratories studying microplastic pollution in freshwater environments.
A straightforward protocol for extracting microplastics from freshwater sediment with high organic content
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a simplified protocol for extracting microplastics from organic-rich clayey freshwater sediments. The method achieved recovery rates exceeding 83% for five common plastic types and minimized particle loss by reducing container transfers, offering a practical and effective approach for environmental monitoring.
Microplastics in riverine systems: Recommendations for standardized sampling, separation, digestion and characterization
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper provides standardized recommendations for microplastic sampling, separation, digestion, and characterization protocols in riverine systems, addressing methodological inconsistency that limits cross-study comparability. The authors propose harmonized operating procedures for field sampling and laboratory analysis to improve the reliability and comparability of microplastic data across river studies globally.
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.