Coverage of microplastic data underreporting and progress toward standardization

ABSTR A C T The analysis of microplastics in various environmental matrices is becoming more prevalent in almost every region of the world. Microplastics are underreported depending on how they are extracted and analyzed, and their magnitude and impacts are unknown or unstudied. This paper aims to synthesize a concrete assessment of the important factors that underpin microplastics data underreporting. Our analysis revealed that there is considerable evidence to highlight data underreporting on microplastic abundance and characteristics, which stems from a combination of partial evalu-ation, economic constraints, recovery efficiency of microplastic extraction, filter pore size used for microplastic sepa-ration, and the detection limit of the quantification and characterization method. The majority of unreported data fell into the category of significantly smaller-sized microplastic particles (1-300 mu m), which are known to be more harmful to the environment and human health. Recommendations toward the improvement of methodologies for improving microplastic data, as well as the critical areas that will drive standardization ahead, are addressed.

Automated summary

The analysis of microplastics in different environments is increasing worldwide, but their data are often underreported due to various reasons. Smaller-sized microplastic particles, which are known to be more harmful, are often not included in the reported data. Improving methodologies and promoting standardization are crucial for enhancing microplastic data.