We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Standardization of the minimum information for publication of infrared-related data when microplastics are characterized
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated infrared spectrometry reporting practices across approximately 50% of published microplastic characterization studies, finding that most studies lacked sufficient experimental detail for replication, and proposed standardized minimum information requirements for IR-based microplastic data.
Infrared spectrometry (IR) became a workhorse to characterize microplastics (MPs) worldwide. However, reports on the experimental conditions to measure them decreased alarmingly. As complete, relevant information on the instrumental setup determining IR spectra is crucial for scientific reproducibility, ca. 50% of the papers that reported FTIR to measure MPs were evaluated and it was found that most studies cannot be replicated due to missing experimental details. To ameliorate this, the most critical parameters influencing IR spectra are depicted, their impact when matching a spectrum against databases exemplified, and, following efforts from other scientific fields, a minimum information for publication of IR-related data on MPs characterization (MIPIR-MP) is proposed, along with a brief, simple paragraph to resume the most critical information to be reported. This can be used to improve the worrying figures that point out to a reproducibility crisis in the field, as disclosed by the survey.
More Papers Like This
Towards standardization of method for microplastics analysis using infrared microscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper evaluated and compared different infrared microscopy protocols for identifying microplastics in environmental samples, working toward standardization of measurement methods across laboratories. Lack of standardized methods is a major obstacle to comparing microplastic data across studies and building a consistent picture of global contamination.
Quantification of microplastics identified by micro-FTIR in sediments: Measurement uncertainty evaluation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated how to properly calculate and report measurement uncertainty when quantifying microplastics identified by micro-FTIR spectroscopy in sediment samples. Reporting uncertainty is critical for comparing results between studies and for understanding how much confidence can be placed in microplastic concentration measurements.
Implications of method- and instrument-based size detection limits in μFTIR-based microplastic analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
This study quantified how both instrument detection limits and methodological choices in micro-FTIR analysis affect reported microplastic concentrations, finding these factors substantially influence numerical results and urging standardization before cross-study comparisons are made.
The applicability of reflectance micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for the detection of synthetic microplastics in marine sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed and validated an optimized micro-FT-IR spectroscopy protocol for detecting microplastics in coastal marine sediments, providing a detailed operating procedure. The standardized method improves detection reliability and enables comparison of results across laboratories studying sediment microplastic contamination.
Optimizing the Workflow for FTIR Microspectroscopy of Microplastics Present in Environmental Samples
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper optimized the analytical workflow for Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy applied to microplastic particles in environmental samples, addressing challenges of sample preparation, particle identification, and data processing. Improved FTIR workflows are essential for generating reliable, comparable microplastic data across different laboratories and environments.
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.