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EPA Research on Microplastics in Sediment
Citation:
Ho, K. AND R. Burgess. EPA Research on Microplastics in Sediment. IN: The Flow of...Trash Free Waters, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, (10):3, (2018).
Impact/Purpose:
Microplastic research is a rapidly expanding field. This newsletter summarizes a project between the Regions and the Office of Research and Development on quantifying existing methods for extracting and isolating microplastics in sediments. Results of this project could be of interest to managers and scientists in Regions, States, Tribes and Programmatic Offices in that it will allow interested parties to choose a microplastic extraction method form sediments based upon objective recoveries of spiked plastic particles.
Description:
Microplastics in the ocean and sediments are an increasing problem. Many different types of methods exist to extract microplastics from sediments. EPA is working on a project to quantify the recovery of microplastics in sediments with commonly used methods published in the scientific literature. This project will help determine the strengths and weaknesses of some of the more common published methods. Currently, methods to isolate and extract microplastics from sediments differ vastly in their approach. For example, different methods use a range of filters, sieve sizes, aeration, physical mixing, chemical oxidation and density gradients to separate the microplastics from other sediment constituents (e.g., organic matter, inorganic particles). Recommendations from this project will help states and tribes choose a method(s) that is appropriate for the particular objectives of their investigations.