The results of the comparative trial on microplastic analysis from the research focus "Plastics in the Environment" are summarized. Analytical methods for the identification and quantification of microplastics are classified with regard to their informative value, strengths and weaknesses are identified.

The comparative test carried out within the research focus Plastics in the Environment classifies different analytical methods for the identification and quantification of microplastics regarding their informative value. Strengths and limitations of the respective methods are identified. The comparative test is intended to provide the basis for comparing the analytical results of individual collaborative projects within a certain framework. No evaluation of the individual analytical methods was carried out.

13 different laboratories/research teams participated in the comparative test. Both thermoanalytical and spectroscopic methods were used. Results showed that the various analytical methods for the identification and quantification of microplastics provide comparable results within the respective procedures. The various detection methods provide different results for particle numbers as well as particle contents. The two results cannot be merged, only compared in relative terms.