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Examining sampling protocols for microplastics on recreational trails.

Nicola A Forster1, Susan C Wilson1, Matthew K Tighe1

  • 1School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia.

The Science of the Total Environment
|November 23, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers evaluated methods for sampling microplastics on recreational trails. Gel lifter tape and sweeping were effective, with gel tape showing higher recovery on asphalt and compacted soil, while sweeping excelled in loose soil.

Keywords:
Microplastic transportMicrorubberRecoveryShoe abrasionSpikingSurface sampling

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Ecotoxicology
  • Analytical Chemistry

Background:

  • Recreational trails in natural areas are potential deposition zones for microplastics.
  • Effective sampling techniques for microplastics on diverse trail surfaces are underdeveloped.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate and compare sampling strategies for microplastics on recreational trails.
  • To determine the most effective method for microplastic collection across different trail surface types.

Main Methods:

  • Three sampling techniques (handheld vacuum, manual sweeping, gel lifter tape) were tested on asphalt, compacted soil, and loose soil.
  • Microplastic recovery was assessed using spiked samples and in situ microplastic counts.
  • Extraction involved density separation and organic matter digestion, with visualization via stereomicroscopy.

Main Results:

  • Gel lifter tape provided the highest recovery of spiked and counts of in situ microplastics on asphalt and compacted soil.
  • Manual sweeping achieved quantitative recovery in loose soil but yielded fewer in situ microplastics compared to gel tape.
  • Higher soil carbon content negatively impacted microplastic recovery with sweeping; methods could not quantify microplastics <100 μm.

Conclusions:

  • Both gel lifter tape and sweeping are viable for assessing microplastic deposition and distribution on trails.
  • The optimal sampling method depends on trail surface characteristics and the presence of organic matter.
  • Further development is needed for quantifying smaller microplastic particles.