We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in the environment: Challenges in analytical chemistry - A review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined the analytical chemistry challenges of detecting and characterizing microplastics in environmental samples, highlighting ongoing issues with standardization, method sensitivity, and comparability across studies.
Microplastics can be present in the environment as manufactured microplastics (known as primary microplastics) or resulting from the continuous weathering of plastic litter, which yields progressively smaller plastic fragments (known as secondary microplastics). Herein, we discuss the numerous issues associated with the analysis of microplastics, and to a less extent of nanoplastics, in environmental samples (water, sediments, and biological tissues), from their sampling and sample handling to their identification and quantification. The analytical quality control and quality assurance associated with the validation of analytical methods and use of reference materials for the quantification of microplastics are also discussed, as well as the current challenges within this field of research and possible routes to overcome such limitations.
More Papers Like This
Analytical challenges associated with the determination of microplastics in the environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This commentary discusses the significant analytical challenges involved in detecting and quantifying microplastics in environmental matrices, highlighting issues of contamination, standardization, and the complexity of characterizing a diverse range of plastic fragments and fibers.
A Review of Analytical Methods Used in Microplastics Quantification
AI summary Read the abstract
This review evaluates the various analytical methods used to detect and quantify microplastics in the environment, highlighting inconsistencies in sampling and analysis across studies. Standardizing methods is a critical priority for the field, as inconsistent approaches make it difficult to compare results and track pollution trends over time.
Chemical Analysis of Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Challenges, Advanced Methods, and Perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
This review covers the latest laboratory methods for detecting and measuring microplastics and nanoplastics in environmental samples like water, food, and air. Identifying these tiny particles is extremely challenging because they vary enormously in size, shape, and plastic type, and concentrations can differ by billions of times between samples. Better standardized detection methods are essential for accurately understanding how much microplastic humans are actually exposed to.
Challenge for the detection of microplastics in the environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the major challenges in detecting and quantifying microplastics across different environmental matrices, including sampling inconsistencies, contamination risks, and limitations of current analytical methods. Addressing these methodological challenges is essential for producing reliable data on microplastic pollution levels worldwide.
Methods and challenges in the detection of microplastics and nanoplastics: a mini‐review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of analytical methods used to detect and identify microplastics and nanoplastics, including microscopy, spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry techniques. Researchers identified key challenges such as distinguishing genuine environmental microplastics from contamination introduced during sample collection and processing. The study provides recommendations for improving data quality and reliability in microplastic research.
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.