A standardized method for sampling and extraction methods for quantifying microplastics in beach sand. Issue 1 (15th January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Besley, Aiken; Vijver, Martina G.; Behrens, Paul; Bosker, Thijs
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 114:Issue 1(2017:Jan.)
• Page Start: 77
• Page End: 83
• Publication Date: 2017-01-15
• Subjects: Microplastics -- Beach sampling -- Extraction -- Method standardization -- Standard operating procedure; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.08.055
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, are frequently ingested by organisms, and may potentially cause harm. A range of studies have found significant levels of microplastics in beach sand. However, there is a considerable amount of methodological variability among these studies. Methodological variation currently limits comparisons as there is no standard procedure for sampling or extraction of microplastics. We identify key sampling and extraction procedures across the literature through a detailed review. We find that sampling depth, sampling location, number of repeat extractions, and settling times are the critical parameters of variation. Next, using a case-study we determine whether and to what extent these differences impact study outcomes. By investigating the common practices identified in the literature with the case-study, we provide a standard operating procedure for sampling and extracting microplastics from beach sand. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Significant variation in methods exists when quantifying microplastics on beaches. These variations impede efforts to compare across studies. A literature review was used to identify key areas which require standardization. A case-study was used to determine impacts of these key methodological variations. Based on the outcomes, a standard operating procedure was developed.