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Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris
Published on: July 28, 2018
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Microplastics in the riverine environment: Meta-analysis and quality criteria for developing robust field sampling
J Lofty1, P Ouro2, C A M E Wilson1
1Hydro-Environmental Research Centre, School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, Wales, UK.
The Science of the Total Environment
|December 14, 2022
Summary
Current methods for sampling microplastics (MP) in rivers are unstandardized, hindering understanding of MP transport. A review found most studies lack crucial data, emphasizing the need for standardized approaches to accurately assess MP pollution in freshwater environments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Quantifying microplastics (MP) in riverine systems is crucial for understanding their environmental fate and impact.
- Existing sampling methods lack standardization, leading to inconsistent data and hindering comparative analysis of MP pollution.
- Key river properties influencing microplastic transport are often not reported, limiting our comprehension of MP behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and assess the standardization and quality of current field-based sampling procedures for microplastics in riverine environments.
- To identify critical omissions in reporting that affect the understanding of microplastic hydrodynamic and transport processes.
- To propose an idealized sampling approach for harmonized future studies and improve the reporting of variables influencing MP transport.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of 36 field-based river studies quantifying microplastics in water and sediment.
- Development and application of ten criteria evaluating catchment, site, and sampling approach characteristics.
- Meta-analysis of microplastic particle characteristics (polymer type, shape) and concentrations reported in the reviewed studies.
Main Results:
- 35 out of 36 studies failed to meet at least one quality criterion, with significant omissions in reporting sample size and river physical/hydraulic characteristics.
- Microplastic concentrations in river water and sediment varied by five and seven orders of magnitude, respectively, heavily influenced by sampling equipment.
- Commonly reported polymers included polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, PET, and PVC; common shapes were irregular, fibers, spheres, and films.
Conclusions:
- There is an urgent need to standardize microplastic sampling procedures in riverine environments.
- Inclusion of contextual information (e.g., river characteristics, sampling methods) is essential for accurate MP assessment.
- Standardization will improve the reliability of data, enhance understanding of MP behavior, and inform effective environmental management strategies.
