Wootton N, Reis-Santos P, Przeslawski R, Adyel TM, Blewitt M, Clarke B, Crutchett T, Ghose A, Hajbane S, Hamann M, Hardesty B, Hossain R, Lavers J, Leterme S, Leusch F, Lynch S, Macgregor M, Motti C, Noble W, O'Brien A, Palanisami T, Okoffo E, Perera K, Puskic P, Razzel Hollis J, Roman L, Sahajwalla V, Santana M, Snigirova A, Tuuri E, Wilson S, Ziajahromi S, Gillanders B (2025). A field and laboratory manual for sampling, processing and reporting microplastics in coastal and marine environments. Frontiers in Marine Science 12: 1674412.
Overview
This publication is a guideline paper that brings together international expertise to recommend standard methods for studying microplastics in the ocean and coastal environments. The main audience is researchers, managers, and policymakers who need reliable data to understand and address plastic pollution.
The paper highlights that while interest in microplastics is rapidly growing, the lack of consistent sampling and reporting methods makes it difficult to compare studies or build a clear global picture. To address this, the guideline provides best-practice recommendations for collecting and analysing samples from water, sediment, air, and marine organisms. It also outlines quality assurance steps and data-sharing standards to make results comparable and widely usable.
By adopting these guidelines, scientists and environmental agencies can generate harmonised, trustworthy data that can be integrated into global assessments. This positions decision-makers and managers to better track microplastic pollution, compare results across regions, and develop coordinated policies and solutions.
