The importance of integrating morphological attributes of microplastics: a theoretical discussion to assess environmental impacts

Author(s)

Semensatto, Decio ; Labuto, Georgia ; Gerolin, Cristiano R.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Environmental Science and Pollution Research; v. N/A, p. 6-pg., 2022-12-08.

Abstract

Most scientific studies on microplastic (MP) pollution report their results as number of particles (e.g., particles/m(2), particles/m(3), particles/kg dw). An important limitation of this expression is to consider all MP particles as environmentally equivalent, regardless of their size, volume, mass, or specific surface area. Using a theoretical approach, we advocate that including such morphological attributes reveals significant differences in results of supposedly equivalent samples that consider only the number of particles. Our goal is to present how particle size and shape produce different results for hypothetical samples with the same number of particles. Therefore, from these examples we expect to stimulate the debate and contribute to improve accuracy and comparability of studies on MP pollution. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/08565-3 - Microplastics in the water and sediments from the estuary of the Amazon River (AmazonMicroplast)
• Grantee: Décio Luis Semensatto Junior
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants