Work Item
ASTM WK91102
New Practice for Field Sampling of Environmental Media for the Determination of Microplastics content
1. Scope
It is the scope of this standard to outline the most common techniques and best practices for sampling for environmental media for microplastics ; however, this standard is not intended to represent technical standard operating procedures (SOPs). References included and future documents may detail SOPs and procedures.
Keywords
microplastics, sampling
Rationale
Although there are many facets sampling of microplastics in the environment, there is no standard reference. One of the most important elements when studying microplastics is the control and documentation of contamination. Microplastics are ubiquitous in the built and natural environment, including indoor air, and thus samples taken for quantification of microplastics are prone to secondary contamination during collection, transport, processing, and analysis; this is particularly true for smaller microplastic particles (<500 µm). Microplastic contamination can stem from air deposition on samples or equipment, plastic sampling equipment and tools, water used for cleaning equipment and sample processing, working solutions, reagents, and synthetic clothing worn by field staff. As the geosynthetics industry responds to concerns regarding microplastic evolution, standardized and careful sampling procedures should be established.
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 06-10-2024
Technical Contact: Sam Allen