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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Diversifying endpoints in biodegradation testing of microplastics
ClearTowards a comprehensive microplastic fate assessment: Integrating size analyses and abiotic degradation into regulatory testing
Researchers worked to improve microplastic fate assessment under EU regulatory frameworks by integrating particle size analysis and abiotic degradation pathways into testing protocols for intentionally added microplastics, going beyond standard biodegradability measures such as CO2 evolution. The study examined how abiotic processes such as UV degradation and fragmentation produce transformation products not captured by existing mineralization-focused test methods.
Towards a comprehensive microplastic fate assessment: Integrating size analyses and abiotic degradation into regulatory testing
Researchers developed an enhanced regulatory testing framework for microplastic fate assessment that integrates particle size analysis and abiotic degradation pathways alongside biodegradability testing, addressing the limitations of current EU restriction methods that focus only on CO2 evolution during mineralization.
Fragrance Encapsulates: Effect of Polymeric Shell Purification Method on the Accuracy of Biodegradability Testing
Researchers examined how the purification method used for polymeric fragrance encapsulates affects their accumulation in aquatic organisms, comparing microcapsules purified by dialysis versus precipitation. Purification method significantly altered surface charge and particle size, which in turn affected bioaccumulation in Daphnia, highlighting that methodological choices in particle production can change environmental fate predictions.
A weight of evidence analytical approach: Understanding chemical composition of synthetic polymers to aid in the interpretation of biodegradation results.
This study applies a weight-of-evidence analytical framework to assess the chemical composition of synthetic polymers and aid interpretation of biodegradation test results, focusing on the European Commission's 2023 microplastic restriction exemption for biodegradable microparticles including fragrance microcapsules.
The effect of biodegradable plastics on microplastic accumulation and exposure
Researchers developed a comprehensive method to quantify microplastic accumulation from biodegradable polymers in natural environments, examining whether biodegradable alternatives actually reduce plastic loads compared to conventional polymers under real-world outdoor conditions.
Ecotoxicity testing of microplastics: Considering the heterogeneity of physicochemical properties
Researchers reviewed how the diverse physical and chemical properties of microplastics, including particle size, shape, crystallinity, surface chemistry, and polymer composition, may influence their ecotoxicity. They argue that standard testing with uniform microbeads fails to capture the heterogeneity of environmental microplastics and may lead to inaccurate risk assessments. The study calls for a more structured approach to testing different microplastic properties to identify the key drivers of toxicity.
Microplastic extraction protocols can impact the polymer structure
Researchers found that common laboratory extraction protocols used to isolate microplastics from environmental samples can alter the polymer structure of the particles, potentially skewing identification and quantification results.
Lack of Evidence for Microplastic Contamination from Water-Soluble Detergent Capsules
Researchers tested 39 brands of water-soluble detergent capsules from four EU countries for microplastic release, finding no evidence that the capsule materials themselves shed microplastics into laundry or dishwasher wastewater. They found that microplastics detected in laundry wastewater originated from PET textiles rather than capsule composition, and that the Guppyfriend bag outperformed the Cora Ball in capturing shed fibers.
Microplastic sample purification methods - Assessing detrimental effects of purification procedures on specific plastic types
Researchers assessed how common microplastic purification methods affect different polymer types, finding that acidic and alkaline digestion can degrade certain plastics like polycarbonate and polyamide, potentially leading to underestimation in environmental samples.
Microplastic label in microencapsulation field – Consequence of shell material selection
This review examines whether microcapsules used in consumer products like laundry detergents and fabric conditioners should be classified as microplastics under proposed EU regulations. Many of these tiny polymer shells are not biodegradable and could persist in aquatic environments after product use, making their regulatory classification important for reducing intentional microplastic releases. The review argues that shell material selection is the key factor determining whether a microcapsule qualifies as a microplastic, with significant implications for product reformulation across the personal care industry.
A novel proof of concept approach towards generating reference microplastic particles
Researchers developed a new method for creating standardized reference microplastic particles that can be embedded in a dissolvable matrix in precise, known quantities. Current microplastic research suffers from a lack of consistent reference standards, making it difficult to compare results across different laboratories and methods. The approach could significantly improve the quality and comparability of microplastic measurements in environmental studies.
Determining the impact of common microplastic extraction methods from soil matrices on the biodegradable polymers polylactic acid and polyhydroxybutyrate
Researchers tested whether standard lab methods used to extract microplastics from soil samples inadvertently degrade biodegradable plastics like polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) before they can be measured. They found significant degradation, particularly of PLA when exposed to the enzyme protease, meaning common soil extraction protocols may undercount biodegradable plastic fragments and give a false impression of how completely these materials break down in nature.
Analytical methodologies used for screening micro(nano)plastics in (eco)toxicity tests
Researchers reviewed how scientists analyze microplastics and nanoplastics in toxicity experiments, finding widespread inconsistency in how the particles are characterized before testing — including their size, shape, and chemical makeup. Better standardization of these measurements is essential for comparing results across studies and accurately assessing how microplastics harm living organisms.
Microplastics are overestimated due to poor quality control of reagents
This study demonstrated that inadequate quality control of chemical reagents used in microplastic analysis can introduce contamination that leads to systematic overestimation of microplastic concentrations in environmental samples, highlighting a critical methodological flaw in the field.
Addressing the Issue of Microplastics in the Wake of the Microbead-Free Waters Act—A New Standard Can Facilitate Improved Policy
Researchers reviewed the U.S. Microbead-Free Waters Act and its limitations, noting that while it eliminated one source of microplastic pollution, it was criticized for its narrow scope and for discouraging biodegradable alternatives. They propose a framework called "Ecocyclable" that could serve as a standard for evaluating whether microplastics are environmentally safe based on their degradation properties. The study suggests that better-defined standards would enable more effective and nuanced regulation of microplastic pollution.
How to quantify the impact biodegradable materials may have?
Researchers at Wageningen examined how to quantify microplastic accumulation in nature to evaluate the impact of biodegradable polymers, noting that a comprehensive, universally applicable methodology is currently lacking. They presented predictive modelling approaches to examine whether biodegradable alternatives can reduce environmental microplastic burdens.
A review of biodegradation and formation of biodegradable microplastics in soil and freshwater environments
Researchers reviewed how biodegradable plastics break down in soil and freshwater, finding that incomplete degradation by microorganisms can still produce tiny biodegradable microplastic particles that persist in the environment — meaning "biodegradable" doesn't always mean safe or fast-disappearing.
Enzymatic Purification of Microplastics in Environmental Samples
Researchers developed an enzymatic purification protocol to remove biological material from environmental samples before microplastic analysis, finding it improved the accuracy and reliability of microplastic identification and quantification.
Can biodegradable polymers make microplastics?
Researchers investigated whether biodegradable polymers can form microplastics during their intended use and degradation, finding that several biodegradable materials do indeed fragment into micro- and nanoscale particles before fully mineralizing. The study raises important questions about whether "biodegradable" plastics fully solve the microplastic problem.
Microplastic aging processes: Environmental relevance and analytical implications
Researchers reviewed how microplastics change physically and chemically over time in the environment — a process called 'aging' — and found that standard lab methods for detecting microplastics were mostly developed using fresh, unaged plastics, making it harder to accurately measure real-world contamination. Improved analytical methods that account for aged microplastics are needed for reliable environmental assessment.
Developing environmentally relevant micro- and nanoplastics to assess removal efficiencies in wastewater treatment processes
Researchers developed a cheap, reproducible method to produce microplastic and nanoplastic particles that closely mimic what is found in real-world environments, then used these particles to test how well wastewater treatment plants remove them. Having standardized test particles is critical because inconsistent methods across studies have made it hard to compare removal efficiencies and improve treatment technologies.
Performance of a modified screening method for polymer biodegradability testing
Researchers developed a faster, simpler screening test to check whether polymers — including those used in microplastic-forming products — can be broken down by microbes. The modified method produces results in 10 days instead of 28 and uses less material, making it easier to guide development of biodegradable alternatives.
Are We Underestimating Microplastic Contamination in Aquatic Environments?
This review argues that current microplastic monitoring methods likely underestimate the true extent of contamination in aquatic environments, especially for small particles and fibers. The authors call for standardized, more sensitive detection methods to better inform regulation and risk assessment.
Environmental Degradation of Microplastics: How to Measure Fragmentation Rates to Secondary Micro- and Nanoplastic Fragments and Dissociation into Dissolved Organics
Researchers developed an adapted protocol for measuring UV-driven fragmentation of microplastics into nano-sized fragments and dissolved organics, providing a standardized method to better understand microplastic degradation rates in the environment.