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Framework to Quantify Uncertainty in Microplastic Concentrations in Wastewaters and Sludges Incorporating Analytical
Ziang Zhu1, Philip J Schmidt1, Wayne J Parker1
1Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
Analytical Chemistry
|April 9, 2024
Summary
Accurate microplastic (MP) measurement in wastewater is crucial. This study models enumeration errors, improving accuracy by accounting for particle type variations and sample variability, leading to better environmental data.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are key pathways for microplastic (MP) transfer to sludge, impacting environmental release.
- Accurate MP quantification is essential for evaluating treatment efficiency and conducting risk assessments.
- Current MP enumeration methods face challenges due to inherent uncertainties in sampling and analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sources of random error in MP enumeration within wastewater and other matrices.
- To develop and apply a modeling approach to quantify uncertainty in MP concentration estimates.
- To enhance the accuracy and reliability of MP data for environmental studies.
Main Methods:
- Adapted a model for microbial enumeration uncertainty to include MP-specific factors.
- Incorporated differential analytical recovery (variability by MP size, shape, type) and nonconstant analytical recovery (sample variability) into the model.
- Applied the model to simulated data to estimate MP concentrations and quantify uncertainty.
Main Results:
- The developed model quantifies uncertainty in MP enumeration, considering various error sources.
- Accounting for differential and nonconstant analytical recovery significantly improved enumeration accuracy.
- Increasing replicates and analyzing MP categories separately further enhanced precision.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a framework for more accurate MP quantification in diverse environmental samples.
- Improved MP enumeration methods are vital for reliable environmental monitoring and risk assessment.
- This work contributes to establishing standardized analytical procedures for microplastic analysis.
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