Method Refinement and Standardization for Microplastics Sample Collection and Analysis
Abstract
The lack of consistent sampling and extraction-analytical methods limits the meaningful interpretation of the ever-growing microplastic occurrence literature. Guidance is needed to refine techniques to ensure data reliability and more rigorously validated data is needed.
The objectives of this research are to
(1) identify rigorously evaluated sample collection and extraction-analysis methodology including QA/QC protocols in support of reliable and consistent data used to inform policy,
(2) evaluate the suitability of surrogate methods to provide more rapid and cost-effective measures of microplastic occurrence, and to
(3) collect targeted new and leverage previously collected water samples to add to the available validated data applying multiple sampling/analytical cross-method comparisons.
To achieve these objectives, first, a critical review of available literature will be performed to thoroughly evaluate matrix-specific sample collection methods and statistically justified sample volumes, extraction-analytical methods for count- and mass-based data, and surrogate measures currently included in CA monitoring requirements and beyond. This will inform targeted utility interviews to identify sampling and analytical limitations that warrant improvement. In parallel, the investigative team will leverage source water, treated water, and wastewater samples already collected using the currently available standard methods and analyzed via count-based techniques to evaluate additional count- and mass-based methods. The samples for which correlative data were collected will allow for further testing of proposed surrogate measures.
Finally, targeted new, replicated sample collection will provide more validated data for both count- and mass based harmonized, standard methods and offer the opportunity to test refined methods.
Results will be communicated via a literature review, Guidance Manual and the extracted Framework, website updates, conference presentations, peer reviewed publications, and reporting.