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Interlaboratory Comparison Reveals State of the Art in Microplastic Detection and Quantification Methods.
Dmitri Ciornii1, Vasile-Dan Hodoroaba1, Nizar Benismail2
1Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und-prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany.
Analytical Chemistry
|April 17, 2025
Summary
This study compared microplastic (MP) detection methods, finding significant variability in accuracy across 84 labs. Tablet dissolution and filtration require optimization for reliable MP quantification and standardized protocols.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Accurate microplastic (MP) detection is crucial for environmental monitoring.
- Existing detection methods lack standardized validation, leading to data variability.
- An interlaboratory comparison (ILC) was organized to assess current MP detection capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of widely used MP detection techniques.
- To compare thermo-analytical and spectroscopical methods for MP identification and quantification.
- To assess the suitability of microplastic reference materials for interlaboratory studies.
Main Methods:
- An interlaboratory comparison (ILC) involving 84 laboratories globally.
- Utilized ISO-approved techniques for microplastic analysis.
- Tested polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE) reference materials in tablet form.
Main Results:
- Reproducibility (SR) in thermo-analytical methods varied widely (45.9%-117%).
- Reproducibility (SR) in spectroscopical methods also showed significant variation (64%-129%).
- Tablet dissolution presented a significant challenge, impacting overall accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Current microplastic detection methods exhibit considerable variability in accuracy.
- Optimization of tablet dissolution and filtration steps is essential for improved reliability.
- Further development of standardized protocols is needed to enhance the accuracy of microplastic measurements.
