The status paper compiles physicochemical investigation methods for the analysis of microplastics and contributes to providing a standardized method pool for all relevant research questions in the fields of science, economy and administration.
The status paper brings together the physiochemical investigation methods used in the research focus "Plastics in the Environment" for the analysis of microplastics. The aim is to obtain validated methods and comparable results in the various projects for the specific problem in each case - in particular for future projects and for the application of the methods in science and practice. This will provide a pool of methods that is as standardized as possible for the relevant issues in science, industry and administration.
The present process recommendations are based on the current state of knowledge on the analysis of MP and are aimed at both actors in science and users in practice. The status paper summarizes the contents of the cross-project work, discussions and coordination within the research focus.
The present version is based on a previously prepared discussion paper (published in October 2018) and was further developed within the framework of the cross-cutting topic (QST) "Analytics and Reference Materials". This continuous process of development or elaboration was constructively accompanied and supported by a series of events between 2018 and 2020 within the research focus.
