The ubiquitous presence of microplastics in natural environments has made this a rapidly increasing topic of interest in recent years, because of its potential implications to sustainability. As this research grows, there is a collective dialogue around standardized characterization. For example, it is common in the literature to report values related to particle concentration (e.g. particles per liter). Yet, comprehensive characterization may include such particulars as particle size distribution, particle shape, polymer type, polymer degradation, and entrained small-molecule identification, among others. No single analytical technique can provide all of these characterization parameters across all particle size regimes. Ergo, the need for a standardized <i>workflow </i>that is fit for characterization also becomes evident. This talk will present a compilation of experimental considerations for commercially available analytical techniques such as boundaries, accuracy, precision, throughput, cost, operator experience, and sample contamination.

Comprehensive characterization of microplastics and nanoplastics in analytical science: An overview of experimental considerations

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ACS Fall 2022

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