We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
New techniques for the detection of microplastics in sediments and field collected organisms
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed new techniques for detecting microplastics in sediment samples and for collecting particles in the field, improving the reliability and sensitivity of methods used to monitor environmental microplastic contamination.
Microplastics have been reported in marine environments worldwide. Accurate assessment of quantity and type is therefore needed. Here, we propose new techniques for extracting microplastics from sediment and invertebrate tissue. The method developed for sediments involves a volume reduction of the sample by elutriation, followed by density separation using a high density NaI solution. Comparison of this methods' efficiency to that of a widely used technique indicated that the new method has a considerably higher extraction efficiency. For fibres and granules an increase of 23% and 39% was noted, extraction efficiency of PVC increased by 100%. The second method aimed at extracting microplastics from animal tissues based on chemical digestion. Extraction of microspheres yielded high efficiencies (94-98%). For fibres, efficiencies were highly variable (0-98%), depending on polymer type. The use of these two techniques will result in a more complete assessment of marine microplastic concentrations.
More Papers Like This
A new analytical approach for monitoring microplastics in marine sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a new analytical approach for monitoring microplastics specifically in marine sediments, improving extraction and identification steps to enable more reliable and standardized environmental monitoring of seafloor contamination.
Proposal for an initial screening method for identifying microplastics in marine sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a simplified screening protocol to identify microplastics in marine sediment samples, intended as a rapid initial method before more detailed analysis. Standardized screening protocols that are accessible to more laboratories are needed to expand global monitoring of microplastic sediment contamination.
Techniques for Sampling, Detection, and Characterization of Microplastics in Water, Sediment, and Tissue Samples
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed the sampling, detection, and characterization methods used to identify microplastics in water, sediment, and biological tissue samples. Standardized, reliable techniques are critical for generating comparable data across studies, which is necessary to accurately assess the true extent of microplastic contamination in ecosystems and living organisms.
Research Progress on Sources and EcologicalEffects of Microplastics in Sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes research on the sources and ecological effects of microplastics in sediments, tracing transport pathways from terrestrial runoff through freshwater systems to marine sediment sinks and documenting impacts on benthic organisms and ecosystem function. Sediments serve as long-term reservoirs of microplastic pollution, making sediment ecology a critical lens for understanding cumulative environmental burden and food chain exposure risks posed by plastic debris.
Microplastics in sediments: A review of techniques, occurrence and effects
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined techniques, occurrence data, and ecological effects of microplastics in sediments, synthesizing evidence that sediments act as a major long-term repository for microplastic contamination in both freshwater and marine systems.
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.