Quantification is more than counting: Actions required to accurately quantify and report isolated marine...

Area of Science:

• Marine science
• Environmental science
• Microplastic pollution

Background:

• Marine microplastic research is rapidly expanding.
• A lack of standardized quantification methods hinders comparative analysis.
• Consistent data is needed for effective environmental assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare parameters for quantifying marine microplastics.
• To identify the most accurate methods for assessing microplastic abundance and size.
• To advocate for standardized microplastic measurement techniques.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data collected using neuston nets in 2016.
• Comparison of different parameters for microplastic quantification.
• Evaluation of flowmeter and ship's log methods for concentration calculation.

Main Results:

• Surface area is the most accurate parameter for describing microplastic size.
• Surface area, along with abundance (per km² or m³), should be used for quantity.
• Ship's log method generally yielded lower microplastic abundances than the flowmeter method.

Conclusions:

• Standardized methods are essential for accurate and comparable marine microplastic research.
• Utilizing surface area and abundance provides a more reliable measure of microplastic quantity.
• Further standardization of quantification techniques is recommended for floating microplastics.