Researchers reviewing data from international microplastics measurement methods study

An international team of researchers working to develop standardized methods for measuring microplastic particles in aquatic environments has begun meeting to review the results of a recent laboratory intercalibration study evaluating the accuracy and comparability of commonly used measurement methods.

The research team, which held its first meeting in January, is examining precision, repeatability, cost and other issues associated with various microplastics measurement methods. Some 40 labs in six countries are participating in the study, including SCCWRP, which is co-facilitating the study.

The international method standardization study is a response to California legislation enacted last year that requires water-quality managers to begin tracking microplastics in drinking water and the coastal ocean. Although multiple methods have been developed to measure microplastics, the methods have not been vetted and standardized to ensure laboratories are capable of producing comparable, high-quality measurement data.

The research team is expected to develop its recommendations by the end of March