eCite Digital Repository
A review of analytical techniques for quantifying microplastics in sediments
Citation
Hanvey, JS and Lewis, PJ and Lavers, JL and Crosbie, ND and Pozo, K and Clarke, BO, A review of analytical techniques for quantifying microplastics in sediments, Analytical Methods, 9, (9) pp. 1369-1383. ISSN 1759-9660 (2017) [Review Several Works]
 | PDF Pending copyright assessment - Request a copy 442Kb |
Abstract
In this review the analytical techniques for measuring microplastics in sediment have been evaluated. Four primary areas of the analytical process have been identified that include (1) sampling, (2) extraction, (3) quantitation and (4) quality assurance/quality control (QAQC). Each of those sections have their own subject specific challenges and require further method development and harmonisation. The most common approach to extracting microplastics from sediments is density separation. Following extraction, visual counting with an optical microscope is the most common technique for quantifying microplastics; a technique that is labour intensive and prone to human error. Spectroscopy (FTIR; Raman) are the most commonly applied techniques for identifying polymers collected through visual sorting. Improvements and harmonisation on size fractions, sampling approaches, extraction protocols and units for reporting plastic abundance would aid comparison of data generated by different research teams. Further, we advocate the development of strong QAQC procedures to be adopted like other fields of analytical chemistry. Finally, inter-laboratory proficiency testing is recommended to give an indication of the variation and reliability in measurements reported in the scientific literature that may be under- or overestimations of environmental burdens.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Review Several Works |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | marine debris, plastic pollution, sediment sampling methods |
| Research Division: | Environmental Sciences |
| Research Group: | Environmental Science and Management |
| Research Field: | Conservation and Biodiversity |
| Objective Division: | Environment |
| Objective Group: | Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity |
| Objective Field: | Marine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity |
| UTAS Author: | Lavers, JL (Dr Jennifer Lavers) |
| ID Code: | 124745 |
| Year Published: | 2017 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 31 |
| Deposited By: | Ecology and Biodiversity |
| Deposited On: | 2018-03-06 |
| Last Modified: | 2018-03-06 |
| Downloads: | 1 View Download Statistics |
Repository Staff Only: item control page