We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
When every particle matters: A QuEChERS approach to extract microplastics from environmental samples
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a universal QuEChERS-based extraction framework using a modular decision-tree protocol to isolate and identify microplastics as small as under 500 micrometers from complex environmental matrices including sediments, sludge, and soils.
The identification of microplastics (MP), especially small (<500 μm) MP, using automated surface-chemistry approaches requires the best possible reduction of natural particles whilst preserving the integrity of the targeted synthetic polymers particles. In general, both natural and synthetic particles can be highly diverse physically and chemically and MP extraction, particularly from complex matrices such as sediments, sludge and soils, requires efficient method pipelines. Our paper presents a universal framework of modular protocols (presented in a decision tree) that fulfil predefined user requirements (QuEChERS: Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe) as well as providing best practises for reasonable MP working conditions within a standard laboratory. New procedures and technical innovations for density separation of particle-rich matrices are presented, such as a spiral conveyor developed and validated for MP recovery. In sharing such best-practice protocols, we aim to help in the push towards MP quantification method standardisation. •Publication of protocols of an entire MP extraction (10 μm - 5 mm) pipeline for particle-based analysis of various environmental matrices•Modularity: Optimised quantitative sample preparation adapted to particle sizes and sample matrices•New protocols and technical innovations (e.g. spiral conveyor) optimise MP extraction.
More Papers Like This
Binary Solvent Extraction of Microplastics from Complex Environmental Matrix.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested a two-solvent extraction method for isolating microplastics from complex environmental matrices. An efficient extraction technique is important for accurately detecting and quantifying microplastics in samples like sediment and biological tissue that contain many other organic and inorganic compounds.
Microplastic identification and quantification from organic rich sediments: A validated laboratory protocol
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed and validated a laboratory protocol for extracting, quantifying, and identifying microplastics from organic-rich sediments with fine grain sizes. The study addressed the challenge of analyzing microplastics in contamination hotspots like harbors and estuaries, where high organic content makes extraction difficult, and provided a cost-effective integrated method for more reliable environmental monitoring.
Microplastic extraction protocols can impact the polymer structure
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that common laboratory extraction protocols used to isolate microplastics from environmental samples can alter the polymer structure of the particles, potentially skewing identification and quantification results.
To be or not to be – Challenges of identifying microplastics in complex environmental matrices
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the challenges of reliably identifying and quantifying microplastics in complex environmental matrices such as marine sediments and water, finding that no single method adequately captures all particle types and sizes. The study argues that developing standardized, validated methods is critical for producing comparable baseline data across studies.
Representative subsampling methods for the chemical identification of microplastic particles in environmental samples
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated different subsampling approaches for selecting microplastic particles from environmental samples for chemical identification, testing representativeness across particle count, size, and polymer type. The study identified best-practice protocols for achieving reliable estimates of plastic fraction and polymer composition from large heterogeneous samples.
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.