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Sediment Collection Methods for Microplastics
Citation:
Ho, K., M. Cashman, AND R. Burgess. Sediment Collection Methods for Microplastics. Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) Microplastic Collection Workshop, Costa Mesa, CA, March 08 - 09, 2023.
Impact/Purpose:
The Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) is a public research and develop agency that develops and applies next-generation science to improve management of aquatic systems in Southern California and beyond. SCCWRP has been instrumental in providing information ot the State of California on microplastic (MP) methods, guidance and development of regulations. The EPA has partnered with SCCWRP and the State of California in its efforts to be proactive in the development of MP methods and guidance. This workshop is a continuation of this collaboration for EPA to support States in their efforts to protect their environments.
Description:
It is estimated that more than 70% of plastics that enter aquatic systems ultimately reside in the sediments. Sediments are considered a sink, and through resuspension events, a source of microplastics to the aquatic environment. The objective of this workshop hosted by the Southern California Coastal Water Resources Project (SCCWRP) is to assist the State of California in designing microplastic collect methods for sediments. Method development for microplastics is a programmatic objective of the Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Program (SSWR) as part of ORD’s National Research Program. This brief presentation covers sediment sampling methods with specific considerations for microplastics. It includes special precautions taken for microplastic collection from boats including wearing brightly colored cotton clothing, minimizing plastic collection tools, use of air blanks and obtaining samples of plastic to which the sample may inadvertently be exposed.