Micro(nano)plastics – Analytical challenges towards risk evaluation

• Published in: TrAC, Trends in analytical chemistry (Regular ed.) Trends in analytical chemistry (Regular ed.), 2019-02, Vol.111, p.173-184
• Main Authors: Pinto da Costa, João, Reis, Vanessa, Paço, Ana, Costa, Mónica, Duarte, Armando C., Rocha-Santos, Teresa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical challenges; Environment; Microplastics; Nanoplastics; Pollution
• ISSN: 0165-9936; 1879-3142
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2018.12.013

The quantification of micro- and nanoplastics in environmental matrices is an analytical challenge and pushes to the use of unrealistic high exposure concentrations in laboratory studies which can lead to manifestations of ecotoxicological effects and risks estimation that are transient under natural conditions. Moreover, in field studies, it is difficult to compare the data obtained due to the lack of sampling protocols, standardized methodologies and techniques for the identification and quantification of micro- and nanoplastics, owing to the inherent physical characteristics of the these materials. Also, the definition of exposure limits is difficult due to the challenge of analytical methodologies. Therefore, this paper aims to characterize the existent analytical challenges in each step from isolation to quantification of nano- and microplastics and their consequences in the estimation of risks. •Identification of environmental microplastics is a difficult analytical challenge.•Certainly present, nanoplastics are yet to be isolated from environmental matrices.•Experimental techniques for the assessment of these materials are examined.•Real and perceived hazards of these pollutants are also discussed.•Suggestions are put forward for overcoming the identified limitations.