Key methodological priorities for establishing a microplastics detection laboratory

The occurrence, transport, and biological effects of microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) in the environment have become global research hotspots in recent years, and such studies often rely on the analysis and detection of MPs as a foundation. Accurate detection and assessment of MPs pollution are essential for understanding its environmental behavior and impacts. MPs research continues to face significant challenges, including inconsistent analytical methods, appropriate selection of instruments, and insufficient standardization of quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) protocols. A systematic evaluation of recent research trends and advances in analytical technologies is urgently required. Such an evaluation will help identify priority research directions and offer practical guidance for newly established laboratories to select and configure instruments based on specific research objectives and sample types. To address this need, this perspective systematically analyzed 50 high-impact, highly cited publications (2020–2024). Recent trends show a significant shift from source apportionment, transport and fate, and characterization, toward toxicology, detection methods, and risk assessment research topics, with increasing focus on small-sized MPs in water, soil, and human-derived matrices. Analysis identifies Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy (Raman), Microscopy and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) as dominant analysis techniques, with clear geographic trends: Asia, Europe, and North America. Performance, plus relative costs of commonly used instruments and essential QA and QC metrics are also evaluated. Finally, a concise framework for laboratory establishment is proposed. This perspective provides practical insights to support informed decision-making for the selection of equipment for establishing a MPs research laboratory.