Microplastics in the environment: Challenges in analytical chemistry - A review

Microplastics can be present in the environment as manufactured microplastics (known as primary microplastics) or resulting from the continuous weathering of plastic litter, which yields progressively smaller plastic fragments (known as secondary microplastics). Herein, we discuss the numerous issue...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Analytica chimica acta 2018-08, Vol.1017, p.1-19
Main Authors: Silva, Ana B., Bastos, Ana S., Justino, Celine I.L., da Costa, João P., Duarte, Armando C., Rocha-Santos, Teresa A.P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analytical chemistry
Analytical methods
Analytical techniques
Mathematical analysis
Microplastics
Nanomaterials
Nanoplastics
Organic chemistry
Plastic debris
Plastics
Quality assurance
Quality control
Quality control/quality assurance
Quantification
Reference materials
Sampling
Sediments
Studies
Tissues
Weathering
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Summary:Microplastics can be present in the environment as manufactured microplastics (known as primary microplastics) or resulting from the continuous weathering of plastic litter, which yields progressively smaller plastic fragments (known as secondary microplastics). Herein, we discuss the numerous issues associated with the analysis of microplastics, and to a less extent of nanoplastics, in environmental samples (water, sediments, and biological tissues), from their sampling and sample handling to their identification and quantification. The analytical quality control and quality assurance associated with the validation of analytical methods and use of reference materials for the quantification of microplastics are also discussed, as well as the current challenges within this field of research and possible routes to overcome such limitations. [Display omitted] •Microplastics have been identified as environmental pollutants.•The sampling, sample handling, identification and quantification of microplastics were discussed.•The validation of analytical methods and use of reference materials for the microplastics quantification were highlighted.•The current challenges in these issues are identified.
ISSN:0003-2670
1873-4324
DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2018.02.043