Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a global concern, prompting numerous studies on MP detection. Due to the remaining methodological challenges, it affects the accuracy and reliability of MP's impact assessment on river systems. To address this, the establishment of standardized operating protocols is crucial, encompassing sampling, separation, digestion, and characterization methods. This study evaluates the current tools used for identifying and quantifying MPs in riverine ecosystems, aiming to offer harmonized guidelines for future protocols. Recommendations include adopting a consistent format for reporting MP concentrations and providing improved information on sampling, separation, and digestion for enhanced cross-study comparisons. The importance of quality assurance and quality control is also discussed. Furthermore, we highlight unresolved issues, proposing avenues for further investigation. Suggestions encompass standardizing river sampling methods, optimizing technical steps and analysis processes, and enhancing the accuracy, reliability, and comparability of detection data to advance our understanding of MPs in river environments.

中文翻译：

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河流系统中的微塑料：标准化采样、分离、消化和表征的建议


微塑料 (MP) 污染已成为全球关注的问题，促使人们对 MP 检测进行了大量研究。由于仍然存在方法学上的挑战，它影响了 MP 对河流系统影响评估的准确性和可靠性。为了解决这个问题，建立标准化操作方案至关重要，包括采样、分离、消化和表征方法。本研究评估了当前用于识别和量化河流生态系统中 MP 的工具，旨在为未来的协议提供统一的指导方针。建议包括采用一致的格式来报告 MP 浓度，并提供有关采样、分离和消解的改进信息，以加强交叉研究比较。还讨论了质量保证和质量控制的重要性。此外，我们强调未解决的问题，提出进一步调查的途径。建议包括规范河流采样方法，优化技术步骤和分析流程，提高检测数据的准确性、可靠性和可比性，以加深对河流环境中MP的了解。