Microplastic particles in the aquatic environment: A systematic review

Do We Speak the Same Language for Reference Particles in Microplastic Research?

“…Microplastics (MPs), a collective term for solid plastic particles in the range of 1 to 1000 µm [2], may either be released as primary MPs, such as specially produced microscale particles such as additives in cosmetics, toothpaste, facial cleansers, deodorants, baby products, peelings, sunscreen, body washes, hair colors, nail polish and bath gels, or other technical products, e.g., paintings. Alternatively, these particles can arise from the degradation or decay of various-sized plastic debris over time in terrestrial and marine environments (secondary MPs) [3,4]. These particles are destructed continuously into smaller fragments by mechanical action, oxidation, hydrolysis, chemical processes or photo-and biodegradation [5,6].…”

“…These particles are destructed continuously into smaller fragments by mechanical action, oxidation, hydrolysis, chemical processes or photo-and biodegradation [5,6]. Environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity or salinity, and polymer properties such as morphology, size, shape, density and biogeographic conditions, may influence this fragmentation [4].…”

“…Due to their persistence and size, MPs are transported in water flows and through atmospheric fallouts, wind advection or stormwater runoffs over long distances [7] MPs have the capability to access food chains when consumed by primary organisms [4] and pose a potential health risk for all organisms, including humans. A recent study [8] predicted median MP (1-5000 µm) intake rates of 553 particles/capita/day (184 ng/capita/day) and 883 particles/capita/day (583 ng/capita/day) for children and adults, respectively, pointing out the omnipresence of MPs in daily-consumed food and beverages.…”

“…In recent decades, investigations on MPs have seen a large increase, thus founding a novel field of research, ranging from the exploration of MP sources and pathways, establishing methodologies, to the identification of global hotspots of microplastic accumulation to effect assessments on ecosystems and potential impacts on habitats and species [9]. Among the proposed challenges of environmental MP research, including sampling, extraction, isolation/separation, identification and quantification [4,10,11], particular attention should be paid to representative reference materials [12,13], e.g., particle simulations (e.g., injection via RRSB distribution), test method validation or laboratory case studies. Polymeric materials arise from a multitude of sources, comprise different materials and additives and reveal distinct physicochemical characteristics, which make the choice of reference particles (RPs) complicated and costly [14].…”

Notes on Common Misconceptions in Microplastics Removal from Water

“…In recent years, microplastics occurrence in water and their removal has come to the forefront of research interest [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. To give an example, three local drinking water treatment plants were tested for the presence of microplastic particles in water before and after treatment, with no special technologies for microplastics removal [26,27].…”