A review on analytical performance of micro- and nanoplastics analysis methods

Abstract

Micro- and nanoplastics have been detected in diverse matrices. Recent studies have suggested their health impact on humans, animals, plants, and environment which depends on the size, concentration, chemical nature, and the mode of interaction of the plastic particles. Detection and quantification of these particles are often challenging due to their small size and complexity of the matrix in which they exist. The concentration and size of the particles combined with the nature of the matrix determines an analytical method to be followed. In recent years, many review articles focusing on origin, fate, and health effects of micro- and nanoplastics are already published. A systemic review focusing on analytical performance of currently available micro- and nanoplastics analysis methods would be useful for the scientific community. In this article, we reviewed papers and reports published in recent decades focusing on the sampling, concentration, detection, and chemical identification methods. We also reviewed the emerging new methods for microplastic analysis. Finally, we provide advantages and limitations of the methods and future perspectives on microplastic analysis.

Keywords

• Microplastic contamination
• Analytical method
• Micro-beads
• Sample processing
• Health effect