Work

Microplastics in sediments: A systematic review structured through reproducible analytical pipelines

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Microplastic research has expanded rapidly, yet substantial methodological variability continues to limit comparability across sediment studies. To characterize current practice and identify priority areas for harmonization, we conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) of 3290 records, from which 37 sediment-focused studies (18 marine, 19 freshwater) met the inclusion criteria. Methods were analyzed using a Reproducible Analytical Pipelines (RAPs) framework encompassing sampling, preparation, detection, and polymer identification. Sampling approaches varied widely: grab samplers dominated (55% of marine and 42% of freshwater studies), while corers (28% and 16%) and manual tools (5% and 16%) were less frequently used. Lower size thresholds spanned < 0 . 1 − 1 mm , with < 0.1 mm most common in marine studies (45%) and less so in freshwater systems (30%). Density separation was nearly universal (36 of 37 studies), with sodium chloride used in over 70% of workflows despite its limited ability to recover high-density polymers; denser media were employed in fewer than 25% of studies. Oxidative digestion was the dominant method for removing organic matter (81%). Polymer confirmation relied overwhelmingly on μ FTIR (35 studies), whereas Raman spectroscopy appeared in only four studies, primarily for particles < 0 . 1 mm . Overall, the SLR reveals partial methodological convergence but persistent divergence in key analytical parameters, highlighting clear priorities for future harmonization efforts. • Systematic review of 37 studies shows high variability in sediment MP methods. • Density separation and oxidative digestion dominate workflows, but reporting varies. • Size-dependent methods converge on micro-FTIR for 0.1–1 mm particles. • Reproducible analytical pipelines highlight critical steps needing harmonization. • Results provide a structured basis for standardized sediment MP protocols.

Source: Chemosphere

DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.144849

Authors: Madeline Jefroy, Amy Lusher, Bert van Bavel, Peygham Ghaffari

Institutions: University of Oslo, Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Akvaplan-niva

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,010

Funders: Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme