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Updated: Sep 6, 2025

Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris
Published on: July 28, 2018
Good field practice and hydrogeological knowledge are essential to determine reliable concentrations of microplastics
Jin-Yong Lee1, Jaehak Jung2, Maimoona Raza1
1Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; Research on Microplastics in Groundwater (RMPG), Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
There are some weaknesses in the methodology of original paper "Informal landfill contributes to the pollution of microplastic in the surrounding environment" published in Environmental Pollution. We commented on the groundwater sampling procedure that affect the calculated concentrations of microplastics in groundwater. Important information related to the description of sampling wells, informal landfill, and the exact description of sample collection method are missing. In addition, significant data related to the groundwater like water level, flow direction, and velocity have been skipped, which are fundamental in groundwater related studies. There should be a clear diagram of landfill location and sampling wells in the landfill, for appropriate understanding of microplastics (MPs) pollution in surrounding environment of a landfill.

