Underappreciated microplastic galaxy biases the filter-based quantification

Matrix preparation and workflow for microplastics analysis in soil

One of the main difficulties in microplastic (MP) research is the lack of standardized, real-world methods such as matrix blank and simultaneous tracking of polymer particles for enumeration. Building on a previous study, a matrix preparation and experimental workflow for soil matrices is presented that addresses the challenges of purification to allow subsequent analysis using Nile Red-stained MPs as a surrogate. Key steps include peroxide digestion and density separation (NaI) followed by centrifugation for low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) surrogates to assess recoveries in terms of number and size, based on fluorescence microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The results yielded false positive recoveries greater than 100% for stained MPs and overall mean recovery around 80% for virgin MPs. Staining reflected the effect of pretreatment on the morphological and fluorescence characteristics of PE and PVC particles. An instrumental approach for fast Raman measurements is also presented, which facilitates counting up to 83%. Although particles down to 21 μm have been tested, this approach appears promising down to single microns due to its traceable and reliable nature for MP particles <300 μm in soil or terrestrial environments. In conclusion, the MP research community should strive to address small polymeric particles that pose an obstacle by agglomerating and interfering with particle-based quantification by spectroscopic techniques.

Examining ingested microplastics in fish: Considerations on filter pore size, analysis time, and material costs to design cost-effective projects

In recent years the microplastics research community has called for methods harmonization and standardized metrics of reporting microplastic attributes. While alignment of research practices is essential in obtaining robust microplastic data, resource managers need to balance how the cost and effort of methodologies compare to data output. The intention of this study is to compare two recommended methods for isolating anthropogenic microparticles in fish gastrointestinal tracts. Using Icelandic capelin (Mallotus villosus) as a study species, with potassium hydroxide (KOH) digestion, we compared a 1.2 μm filtration and 45 μm sieving protocols for isolating ingested anthropogenic microparticles. We compared methods based on the amount of time they took to conduct, the cost of the materials and equipment required, levels of procedural contamination, and data output. We found no significant differences in the materials costs or procedural contamination between the two methods. However, the two protocols resulted in anthropogenic microparticles with significantly different characteristics (i.e. colour, length, morphology), and the 45 μm sieving protocol took longer to conduct per sample. Our results contribute towards a more holistic understanding of microplastic research methods, their relative costs, and how they contribute to data outputs and development of large-scale monitoring programs.

A 30-Year Review on Nanocomposites: Comprehensive Bibliometric Insights into Microstructural, Electrical, and Mechanical Properties Assisted by Artificial Intelligence

From 1990 to 2024, this study presents a groundbreaking bibliometric and sentiment analysis of nanocomposite literature, distinguishing itself from existing reviews through its unique computational methodology. Developed by our research group, this novel approach systematically investigates the evolution of nanocomposites, focusing on microstructural characterization, electrical properties, and mechanical behaviors. By deploying advanced Boolean search strategies within the Scopus database, we achieve a meticulous extraction and in-depth exploration of thematic content, a methodological advancement in the field. Our analysis uniquely identifies critical trends and insights concerning nanocomposite microstructure, electrical attributes, and mechanical performance. The paper goes beyond traditional textual analytics and bibliometric evaluation, offering new interpretations of data and highlighting significant collaborative efforts and influential studies within the nanocomposite domain. Our findings uncover the evolution of research language, thematic shifts, and global contributions, providing a distinct and comprehensive view of the dynamic evolution of nanocomposite research. A critical component of this study is the "State-of-the-Art and Gaps Extracted from Results and Discussions" section, which delves into the latest advancements in nanocomposite research. This section details various nanocomposite types and their properties and introduces novel interpretations of their applications, especially in nanocomposite films. By tracing historical progress and identifying emerging trends, this analysis emphasizes the significance of collaboration and influential studies in molding the field. Moreover, the "Literature Review Guided by Artificial Intelligence" section showcases an innovative AI-guided approach to nanocomposite research, a first in this domain. Focusing on articles from 2023, selected based on citation frequency, this method offers a new perspective on the interplay between nanocomposites and their electrical properties. It highlights the composition, structure, and functionality of various systems, integrating recent findings for a comprehensive overview of current knowledge. The sentiment analysis, with an average score of 0.638771, reflects a positive trend in academic discourse and an increasing recognition of the potential of nanocomposites. Our bibliometric analysis, another methodological novelty, maps the intellectual domain, emphasizing pivotal research themes and the influence of crosslinking time on nanocomposite attributes. While acknowledging its limitations, this study exemplifies the indispensable role of our innovative computational tools in synthesizing and understanding the extensive body of nanocomposite literature. This work not only elucidates prevailing trends but also contributes a unique perspective and novel insights, enhancing our understanding of the nanocomposite research field.