Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

A new filtration system for extraction and accurate quantification of microplastics

Researchers developed a new filtration system for extracting and accurately quantifying microplastics from solution media, addressing the problem of microplastic particle adsorption onto glassware surfaces that compromises conventional quantification methods. The system improves upon standard density separation and solvent extraction pretreatments to enable more reliable microplastic abundance measurements.

2024 Analytical Methods
Article Tier 2

Efficacy of Microplastic Separation Techniques on Seawater Samples: Testing Accuracy Using High-Density Polyethylene

Scientists tested four common methods for separating microplastics from seawater samples and found that each method recovered different amounts and types of particles. Standardizing separation methods is critical for making microplastic concentration data comparable across different studies.

2021 Biological Bulletin 23 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics in seawater: a study of pretreatment, separation, and recovery.

Researchers developed and compared pretreatment, separation, and recovery methods for isolating microplastics from seawater samples, addressing the methodological diversity that limits comparability across marine monitoring studies. The study identified optimal combinations of techniques that improve microplastic recovery efficiency while minimizing contamination and sample loss.

2024 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Article Tier 2

Marine microplastic: Preparation of relevant test materials for laboratory assessment of ecosystem impacts

Researchers developed methods to prepare environmentally realistic marine microplastic test materials from weathered plastic litter for laboratory ecotoxicology studies, addressing the limitation that most prior research used pristine, homogeneous plastics that do not reflect real-world microplastic complexity.

2018 Chemosphere 116 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics in seawater: a study of pretreatment, separation, and recovery.

Researchers developed and compared pretreatment, separation, and recovery methods for extracting microplastics from seawater samples, evaluating each step for efficiency and contamination risk. The optimized workflow improved particle recovery and reduced matrix interference, supporting more accurate seawater microplastic quantification.

2024 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Article Tier 2

Improved microplastic processing from complex biological samples using a customized vacuum filtration apparatus

Researchers developed a customized vacuum filtration apparatus to improve the processing of microplastics from complex biological marine samples, addressing longstanding methodological barriers in accurately separating and quantifying particles smaller than 5 mm. The system aims to reduce contamination and sample loss that have hindered standardization across microplastic monitoring studies in both abiotic and biotic compartments.

2022 Limnology and Oceanography Methods 10 citations
Article Tier 2

Development and testing of a fractionated filtration for sampling of microplastics in water

Researchers developed and tested a fractionated filtration system for sampling microplastics in water bodies, proposing a standardized sampling concept that accounts for plastic-specific properties to improve comparability of microplastic data across different studies and environments.

2018 Water Research 101 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastic extraction from sediments established? – A critical evaluation from a trace recovery experiment with a custom-made density separator

Scientists evaluated the accuracy of a custom density separator for extracting small microplastic particles from sediment, finding variable recovery rates across different polymer types. Standardized and validated extraction methods are essential for accurate measurements of microplastic contamination in sediment environments.

2021 Analytical Methods 13 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastic isolation method for wastewater and sludge samples by removal of excess organic and inorganic interferences

Researchers developed an improved microplastic isolation method for wastewater and sludge samples that removes extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) interfering with detection. The optimized protocol improves the accuracy and reliability of microplastic quantification in complex environmental matrices.

2023 Chemosphere 8 citations
Article Tier 2

Comparison of microplastic isolation and extraction procedures from marine sediments

Researchers compared five methods for extracting microplastics (40-710 μm) from marine sediments by spiking known MP quantities into sediment matrices and measuring percent recovery across extraction approaches. Results showed that sediment matrix composition, MP properties including size and polymer type, and extraction method all significantly influenced recovery efficiency, underscoring the need for standardized extraction protocols to enable cross-study comparisons.

2020 Marine Pollution Bulletin 90 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2021 Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 65 citations
Article Tier 2

Potential sources of microplastic contamination in laboratory analysis and a protocol for minimising contamination

Scientists identified multiple sources of microplastic contamination that can be accidentally introduced during laboratory analysis of biological samples, including from lab water, chemicals, and air. By filtering reagents, pre-treating glass fiber filters, and using a clean working environment, they reduced lab-introduced contamination by 70–100%. These findings are important for accurate microplastic research: without such precautions, studies can significantly overestimate how much plastic is actually present in animal tissues or environmental samples.

2023 Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 14 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2021 Microplastics and Nanoplastics 79 citations
Article Tier 2

Matrix Matters: novel insights for the extraction, preparation, and quantitation of microplastics in a freshwater mesocosm study

Researchers developed improved methods for extracting, preparing, and quantifying secondary microplastics in freshwater mesocosm studies, addressing the current lack of reliable extraction techniques needed for robust microplastic exposure and risk assessments.

2023 Microplastics and Nanoplastics 10 citations
Article Tier 2

Separation and characterization of microplastic and nanoplastic particles in marine environment

This review examined methods for separating and characterizing microplastics and nanoplastics in marine environments, addressing challenges posed by their tiny size, diverse properties, and ability to adsorb pollutants.

2021 Environmental Pollution 142 citations
Article Tier 2

A membrane cascade for size-based separation and concentration of nanoplastics in environmental waters

Researchers developed a cascade system of membrane filters that can separate and concentrate nanoplastics from environmental water samples by size. They demonstrated that the system effectively isolates nanoplastic particles while tracking recovery rates using fluorescent markers. The technology addresses a major challenge in nanoplastic research by providing a reliable method to extract these extremely small particles from water for accurate measurement and analysis.

2025 Separation and Purification Technology 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Comparative Removal Efficiency of Polypropylene Microplastics from Aqueous Solutions by Filtration, Centrifugation, and Flocculation

Researchers compared three methods (filtration, centrifugation, and flocculation) for removing polypropylene microplastics from laboratory water samples, evaluating removal efficiency and practicality for use as a foundation for standardized environmental water treatment protocols.

2025 Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 3 citations
Article Tier 2

Comparative evaluation of filtration and imaging properties of analytical filters for microplastic capture and analysis

Researchers compared five analytical filter types for microplastic capture and analysis, evaluating their filtration efficiency and imaging properties to help standardize methods and improve the reliability of microplastic quantification across laboratories.

2023 Chemosphere 14 citations
Article Tier 2

Approaches for the preparation and evaluation of hydrophilic polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate microplastic particles suited for toxicological effect studies

Researchers developed methods to create large quantities of artificially aged, hydrophilic microplastic particles from PET and polyethylene, eliminating the need for surfactants in toxicity experiments. Using alkaline and acidic treatments, they produced particles smaller than 5 micrometers with significantly increased water compatibility. These standardized, aged particles better represent real-world microplastics and could improve the consistency and relevance of laboratory toxicity studies.

2025 Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 8 citations
Article Tier 2

Comparison of Different Procedures for Separating Microplastics from Sediments

Researchers compared three different methodologies for separating dense microplastics from fine sediments, finding significant differences in recovery rates and identifying contamination risks during the separation procedures.

2021 Water 29 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2017 Environmental Science & Technology 506 citations
Article Tier 2

Rapid Sand Filtration Technique for Remediation of Microplastics

Researchers tested rapid sand filtration as a technique for removing microplastics from water, evaluating particle removal efficiency across different plastic sizes, shapes, and filter media. The technique achieved meaningful microplastic reduction and was proposed as a practical water treatment enhancement.

2024 Microplastics 1 citations
Article Tier 2

A novel method for preparing microplastic fibers

Researchers developed a reproducible laboratory method for generating microplastic fibers from commercial textiles for use in controlled exposure experiments. The method addresses a major gap in ecotoxicology research: unlike spherical microbeads, fibers cannot be purchased commercially, limiting their use in standardized toxicity testing.

2016 Scientific Reports 319 citations
Article Tier 2

Nanoplastics in aquatic environments: Origin, separation and characterization: Review

This review covers the origins, separation methods, and characterization of nanoplastics in aquatic environments. Nanoplastics (1–100 nm) are particularly concerning because their tiny size gives them a large surface area for adsorbing pollutants and allows them to penetrate biological barriers more easily than larger microplastics.

2023 Tehnika