We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The use of reference material in microplastic research: general aspects
Summary
This paper discussed general considerations for using certified reference materials in microplastic research, arguing that standardized reference materials are essential for ensuring that measurements are reproducible and comparable across different laboratories and studies. The lack of such standards remains a major limitation in the field.
Discussions in science, politics and public media about microplastic in the Environment and its unclear effects for animals and humans are common these days. Although microplastic findings in water, soil and even air are well known, no general estimations about the quality or quantity of microplastic particles in environment exit. Research is necessary to develop reliable and traceable, harmonized protocols for sampling, sample preparation and fast, but accurate analysis for qualitative and quantitative measurement of microplastic in various environmental matrices. For development of such reliable and traceable methods, the use of microplastic reference materials is necessary to assess various concepts. These microplastic reference particles should be an appropriate reflection of the microplastic particles found in environment. Due to the high use in industrial products six polymers seem to be relevant in environment as microplastic particles: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA) and polyvinylchloride (PVC). The raw source of These thermoplastic materials are pellets or granulate with dimensions of 1 to 5 mm in diameter. Most common they own a regular cylindrical shape or are prolate sphericals. These can be bought cost-efficient by various polymer producers. But discussions in microplastic research topic lead to particle sizes down to 1 μm. Furthermore, various unregular shapes and geometries of the particles have to be considered as well as an oxidized surface. In the present work we engage the acquisition and production of realistic reference material. Different aspects should demonstrate the complex and difficult task of generating approriate, cost-efficient and well-defined reference materials. The particle size distribution by using different particle sizing methods as well as individual particle shapes are documented. Different material properties were addressed. PE, PS and PA were chosen as typical and relevant microplastic with opposite individual material characteristics in density and glass Transition temperature. The easiest possibility for acquisition of small microplastic particles is the purchase of polymer emulsion particles (20 to 150 μm). An alternative possibility to produce small microplastic particles is milling under liquid nitrogen conditions in cryo mills. Particles purchased or self-made differ strongly in shape and size depending on production method. SETAC
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Reference materials for microplastics in environmental matrices
This paper discussed the development and use of reference materials for microplastic analysis in environmental matrices, addressing the urgent need for calibration standards to ensure comparable and reliable measurements across different laboratories. Standardized reference materials are a foundational requirement for credible, policy-relevant microplastic monitoring.
A novel proof of concept approach towards generating reference microplastic particles
This paper presented a proof-of-concept approach for generating standardized reference microplastic particles to improve comparability across analytical methods. The lack of consistent reference materials has been a key barrier to producing reliable and comparable microplastic research data.
Do We Speak the Same Language for Reference Particles in Microplastic Research?
This paper argues that the microplastics research community lacks agreement on standardized reference particles for laboratory experiments, making it difficult to compare results across studies. The authors call for consensus on definitions and materials to improve the reproducibility and policy relevance of microplastic research.
Innovative reference materials for method validation in microplastic analysis including interlaboratory comparison exercises
Researchers developed innovative reference materials for validating microplastic analysis methods, presenting interlaboratory comparison results that support quality assurance and standardization in the growing field of microplastic detection.
Preparation of a reference material for microplastics in water—evaluation of homogeneity
Researchers developed a candidate reference material for microplastics in water and evaluated its homogeneity, finding it suitable for use in laboratory intercomparison studies and as a tool for validating microplastic analytical methods.