Microplastic extraction from sediments established? – A critical evaluation from a trace recovery experiment with a custom-made density separator

By now, microplastics are present in every environmental compartment of which sediments are considered one major sink. As a result, several approaches for their enrichment from sediments have been established...

Microplastics: An emerging and challenging research field

Background:: Studies have confirmed the ubiquitous presence of microplastics in every environmental compartment, and their number is rising year by year. Despite the fact that important efforts are being made in many countries to try to reduce microplastics contamination, it is very likely that their presence will continue to increase since plastic degradation is a long-term procedure. Current scientific data in this field is only the tip of a huge iceberg in which hand in hand research with scientists of different disciplines is absolutely necessary to draw a clear map of their origin, transport dynamics, distribution and effects. Methods:: A brief overview (perspective article) of current research topics on microplastics, the problems that they must face as well as those gaps that should be solved in the future are reviewed. RESULTS:: Standardized and validated methodologies for microplastics quantification and identification are needed. The analysis of organic and inorganic contaminants retained onto microplastics is also a key issue. The study of the presence, behavior, and fate of microplastics in the environment (in all the environmental compartments) as well as the toxicity and dietary exposure studies are also highly necessary. Conclusion:: A better understanding of the concentration, source, and hazards of microplastics in every environmental compartment is still needed, especially in the terrestrial environment and in the atmosphere. There is also the need of applying harmonized and validated analytical methodologies to provide feasible results and to allow a suitable comparison.

Microplastics in soils: assessment, analytics and risks

Environmental contextThere is increasing concern from both the general public and the scientific community about microplastic-related pollution. Despite the alarming and well-documented accumulation of plastics in the marine environment, little attention has been paid to the sources, fate and effects of microplastics in terrestrial settings. We overview the prevalence of microplastics in soils, evaluate their impacts, and appraise the current difficulties in their determinations in terms of sampling, isolation and identification. AbstractThere has been an increasing interest by both the general public and the scientific community in microplastic-related pollution. Owing to their physical and chemical characteristics, these highly ubiquitous contaminants may be ingested by numerous organisms at the base of food-webs. Furthermore, owing to their tendency to adsorb other chemical substances, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), these plastic particles can lead to bioaccumulation and bioamplification phenomena, which significantly increases their potential environmental effects. However, most of the current research available is focussed on the prevalence and effects of these materials in water, and, more precisely, in oceans. Although this is understandable, owing to the alarming accumulation of plastics in this environmental compartment, little attention has been paid to the sources, fate and effects of microplastics (MPs) in terrestrial settings. This is further complicated by the current lack of universally accepted methods for the assessment and identification of MPs, not only in liquid, but also in solid matrices. We overview the most current data regarding the presence and prevalence of MPs in soils and evaluate their recognised impacts and potential consequences. We also appraise the current sampling, isolation and identification methodologies and suggest methods that may contribute to the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the sampling and characterisation of these pervasive pollutants in complex matrices, such as soils.