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An affordable methodology for quantifying waterborne microplastics - an emerging contaminant in inland-waters
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Researchers developed a cost-efficient method for detecting and quantifying microplastics in UK inland waters and applied it across multiple sites, finding concentrations ranging from over 1,000 particles per liter in the River Tame to 2.4 per liter in Loch Lomond. The work provides a practical methodology for expanding freshwater microplastic monitoring.
The occurrence of microplastics in marine habitats is well documented and of growing concern. The presence of these small (<5 mm) pieces of plastic is less well recorded in inland water systems. In this paper, we determine a cost-efficient and straightforward method for the collection and identification of microplastics in UK inland waters. We found pieces of microplastic from all sample sites ranging from over 1000 L-1 in the River Tame, to 2.4 L-1 in Loch Lomond. The presence of microplastics in all waters tested suggest it should now be classed as an emergent contaminant, with routine monitoring required.
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Researchers developed improved methods for quantifying very small microplastic particles (roughly 1 to 300 micrometers) in freshwater systems, showing that conventional sampling dramatically underestimates plastic particle counts. Accurately measuring this smaller size fraction is critical for understanding real-world microplastic concentrations and their biological impacts.
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This review examines microplastic pollution in freshwater environments, summarizing detection techniques and reporting on abundance data from rivers, lakes, and streams worldwide. The authors highlight methodological inconsistencies that complicate cross-study comparisons and call for standardized sampling and analysis protocols.
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This paper reviews the sources of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments and the analytical methods used to characterize and quantify microplastic particles, covering sampling, extraction, and identification techniques relevant to freshwater and marine monitoring.
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This Czech-language study developed a cost-effective analytical method for qualitatively detecting microplastics in water samples, addressing the current lack of affordable monitoring protocols. Since microplastics from personal care products and polymer degradation are not adequately removed by water treatment, reliable detection methods are needed to monitor their presence in drinking water.
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.