Sample preparation methods for the analysis of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems: a review

The vast amount of plastic waste emitted into the environment is of increasing concern because there is mounting evidence for various toxic effects of microplastics on living organisms. In particular, despite freshwater ecosystems are essential sources of water supply, they have been less investigated than marine ecosystems for microplastic pollution. Here, we review 150 freshwater studies for techniques used to separating microplastics from water and sediments. We compare major chemicals utilized in digestion and density separation steps. Sodium chloride is the most prevalent salt used in separating microplastics from freshwater environments. Hydrogen peroxide and Fenton’s reagent are most frequently used in digestion of organic materials.