Rapporto ISTISAN 21/2 - Sampling strategies and pretreatment methods for microplastics in aquatic environments. Lorenzo Martellone, Luca Lucentini, Daniela Mattei, Massimo De Vincenzo, Gabriele Favero, Sara Bogialli, Lucio Litti, Moreno Meneghetti, Fabiana Corami, Beatrice Rosso - ISS (EN)

Istituto Superiore di Sanità
Sampling strategies and pretreatment methods for microplastics in aquatic environments.
Lorenzo Martellone, Luca Lucentini, Daniela Mattei, Massimo De Vincenzo, Gabriele Favero, Sara Bogialli, Lucio Litti, Moreno Meneghetti, Fabiana Corami, Beatrice Rosso
2021, iii, 39 p. Rapporti ISTISAN 21/2 (in Italian)

Microplastics can be considered environmental “emerging” contaminants. Extremely widespread in water bodies, microplastics have been studied for some time due to the possible effects on human and animal health. One of the main problems related to microplastics analysis in environmental matrices is due to the size range. Their definition, according to ECHA (2019), is particles have (i) all dimensions 1 nm ≤ x ≤ 5 mm, or (ii), for fibres, a length of 3 nm ≤ x ≤ 15 mm and length to diameter ratio of >3). Sampling and pre-treatment methods for identifying and quantifying microplastics reflect this issue. In relation to their type and destination of use, water sampling can be done simply collecting water or by in situ filtration. The latter method is the most used, especially for water intended for human consumption, because high volumes can be filtered. This can be achieved with a specific sampling net or through a filtration system where water is usually conveyed with a pump or with a hose connected to the tap. Pre-treatment methods include additional filtrations, a digestion step necessary for organic matter removal and an extraction procedure to remove interferers.
Key words: Microplastics, Water; Environment; Risk analysis