1. Creation of an international laboratory network towards global microplastics monitoring harmonisation
- Author
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Adil Bakir, Alexandra R. McGoran, Briony Silburn, Josie Russell, Holly Nel, Amy L. Lusher, Ruth Amos, Ronick S. Shadrack, Shareen J. Arnold, Cecy Castillo, Joaquin F. Urbina, Eduardo Barrientos, Henry Sanchez, Keshnee Pillay, Lucienne Human, Tarryn Swartbooi, Muhammad Reza Cordova, Sofia Yuniar Sani, T. W. A. Wasantha Wijesinghe, A. A. Deeptha Amarathunga, Jagath Gunasekara, Sudarshana Somasiri, Kushani Mahatantila, Sureka Liyanage, Moritz Müller, Yet Yin Hee, Deo Florence Onda, Khairiatul Mardiana Jansar, Zana Shiraz, Hana Amir, and Andrew G. Mayes
- Subjects
International network ,Microplastics ,Global plastics treaty ,Nile red ,Plastic pollution ,Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Abstract Infrastructure is often a limiting factor in microplastics research impacting the production of scientific outputs and monitoring data. International projects are therefore required to promote collaboration and development of national and regional scientific hubs. The Commonwealth Litter Programme and the Ocean Country Partnership Programme were developed to support Global South countries to take actions on plastics entering the oceans. An international laboratory network was developed to provide the infrastructure and in country capacity to conduct the collection and processing of microplastics in environmental samples. The laboratory network was also extended to include a network developed by the University of East Anglia, UK. All the laboratories were provided with similar equipment for the collection, processing and analysis of microplastics in environmental samples. Harmonised protocols and training were also provided in country during laboratory setup to ensure comparability of quality-controlled outputs between laboratories. Such large networks are needed to produce comparable baseline and monitoring assessments.
- Published
- 2024
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