A field and laboratory manual for sampling, processing and reporting microplastics in coastal and marine environments

Global interest in microplastics is increasing, with numerous organisations collecting data on microplastics in the environment. However, disparate sampling, analysis, and reporting methods limit our ability to integrate data, hindering a global understanding of microplastic occurrence, effects and dynamics. Drawing on international directives and collaborations, we present a comprehensive guideline of harmonised and standardised field and laboratory approaches for microplastics in marine and coastal environments. We aim to ensure data consistency and comparability, incorporating the latest methodological developments for investigating and monitoring microplastics in four environmental matrices: sediment, water, biota, and air. A participatory approach brought together 40 researchers with diverse experience, reflecting a broad range of regional and international research. We provide best practice recommendations for sample processing to isolate, quantify and characterise microplastics, along with effective quality assurance and quality control measures. We also include reporting and data release recommendations, to ensure consistency and comparability across datasets. This guideline is endorsed by Ocean Best Practices System. By following these guidelines, and incorporating workflows supporting Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) data, diverse stakeholders and practitioners can generate harmonised data essential for decision-making, facilitating a collective ability to synthesise global datasets and support action on microplastics.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Frontiers in Marine Science
Published
2025-09-25
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1674412
Citations
7
Primary Topic
Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
3.53
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

A field and laboratory manual for sampling, processing and reporting microplastics in coastal and marine environments

Scott P. Wilson, Sara Hajbane, Melanie MacGregor, Cherie A. Motti et al.
7 citations
Frontiers in Marine Science
Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
3.53
article

A field and laboratory manual for sampling, processing and reporting microplastics in coastal and marine environments

Scott P. Wilson, Sara Hajbane, Melanie MacGregor, Cherie A. Motti, Sophie C. Leterme, Michelle Blewitt, Joseph Razzell Hollis, Britta Denise Hardesty, Rumana Hossain, Elise M. Tuuri, Veena Sahajwalla, Bradley O. Clarke, Jennifer L. Lavers, Tanveer M. Adyel, Anirban Ghose, Lauren Roman, Allyson OBrien, Nina Wootton, Peter S. Puskic, Shima Ziajahromi, Mark Hamann, Thomas Crutchett, Anastasiia Snigirova, Patrick Reis‐Santos, Frédéric D.L. Leusch, Elvis D. Okoffo, Palanisami Thavamani, Marina Santana, Kushani Perera, Bronwyn May Gillanders, Rachel Przeslawski, S. Lynch, Warwick Noble
article en
7 citations

Abstract

Global interest in microplastics is increasing, with numerous organisations collecting data on microplastics in the environment. However, disparate sampling, analysis, and reporting methods limit our ability to integrate data, hindering a global understanding of microplastic occurrence, effects and dynamics. Drawing on international directives and collaborations, we present a comprehensive guideline of harmonised and standardised field and laboratory approaches for microplastics in marine and coastal environments. We aim to ensure data consistency and comparability, incorporating the latest methodological developments for investigating and monitoring microplastics in four environmental matrices: sediment, water, biota, and air. A participatory approach brought together 40 researchers with diverse experience, reflecting a broad range of regional and international research. We provide best practice recommendations for sample processing to isolate, quantify and characterise microplastics, along with effective quality assurance and quality control measures. We also include reporting and data release recommendations, to ensure consistency and comparability across datasets. This guideline is endorsed by Ocean Best Practices System. By following these guidelines, and incorporating workflows supporting Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) data, diverse stakeholders and practitioners can generate harmonised data essential for decision-making, facilitating a collective ability to synthesise global datasets and support action on microplastics.

Frontiers in Marine ScienceVol. 12
South Australia Pathology (AU), Griffith University (AU), CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere (AU), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (AU), University of Tasmania (AU), Queensland Health (AU), Museum of London (GB), Australian Institute of Marine Science (AU), Australian Antarctic Division (AU), NSW Department of Planning and Environment (AU), Natural History Museum (GB), Australian Research Council (AU), Charles Sturt University (AU), The University of Queensland (AU), The University of Melbourne (AU), Flinders University (AU), The University of Western Australia (AU), Ocean Institute (US), UNSW Sydney (AU), Centre for Marine Socioecology (AU), RMIT Europe (ES), Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (AU), AgriBio (AU), The University of Adelaide (AU), University of Newcastle Australia (AU), James Cook University (AU), Macquarie University (AU)
Openalex Percentile: Top 7%
Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
3.53
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.