The influence of complex matrices on method performance in extracting and monitoring for microplastics.

Previous studies have evaluated method performance for quantifying and characterizing microplastics in clean water, but little is known about the efficacy of procedures used to extract microplastics from complex matrices. Here we provided 15 laboratories with samples representing four matrices (i.e.

Patterns of microparticles in blank samples: A study to inform best practices for microplastic analysis.

Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) techniques are critical to analytical chemistry, and thus the analysis of microplastics. Procedural blanks are a key component of QA/QC for quantifying and characterizing background contamination. Although procedural blanks are becoming increasingly common in microplastics research, how researchers acquire a blank and report and/or use blank contamination data varies.

Quantitative assessment of visual microscopy as a tool for microplastic research: Recommendations for improving methods and reporting.

Microscopy is often the first step in microplastic analysis and is generally followed by spectroscopy to confirm material type. The value of microscopy lies in its ability to provide count, size, color, and morphological information to inform toxicity and source apportionment. To assess the accuracy and precision of microscopy, we conducted a method evaluation study.

Engaging the Community to Effectively Plan and Implement Community-Based Mental Health Programs.

Community engagement is recognized as an effective means to maximizing public health program impacts despite challenges such as power imbalances that can undermine efforts. The value of engaging communities as equitable partners in the design and delivery of community-based programs has gained increasing traction over the last few decades. Most research in this area has been focused on partnerships between academia and communities, leaving a knowledge gap regarding engagement between community organizations and between community organizations and members.

A fish tale: a century of museum specimens reveal increasing microplastic concentrations in freshwater fish.

Plastic is pervasive in modern economies and ecosystems. Freshwater fish ingest microplastics (i.e.