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Harmonized Reporting Guidelines for Microplastics Research

A Reproducibility & Comparability Framework for Environmental and Laboratory Methods

https://doi.org/10.1177/0003702820930292
  • Open Data: Yes
  • Access: Open Source
A screenshot of the Mind Map (LINK) showing the components and flow of reporting guidelines for microplastic studies. The first nodes branching off of “Microplastic Reporting Guidelines” are the general groups of the guidelines, subgroups follow in bold until the second to last nodes are the reporting guidelines (in italic) and the terminal node is the description of the guideline.

Description

Overview of the Harmonized Reporting Guidelines for Microplastics Research

The harmonized reporting guidelines for microplastics research by Cowger et al. (2020) address a central challenge in microplastics science: incomplete or inconsistent method reporting limits reproducibility and comparability across studies. These guidelines provide a community-endorsed framework for documenting research from environmental sampling through data reporting. Complete, consistent reporting is essential for synthesis, meta-analysis, and regulatory uptake.

This framework complements Plastiverse’s tools and databases for microplastics research and supports FAIR data principles.

Core Elements of the Harmonized Reporting Reporting Guidelines

1. Study Metadata & Context

A comprehensive description of:

  • Research objectives
  • Target matrix and rationale
  • Geographic location, timing, and context

2. Materials & Reagents

Report:

  • Container and filtration media materials
  • Reagent grades and preparation
  • Calibration certificates or standards

3. Field Sampling Details

Include:

  • Method of collection (grab, net, core)
  • Sample volumes and replication
  • Field blanks and environmental conditions

➡️ Relevant methods and sampling tools:

4. Sample Preparation & Processing

Document:

  • Digestion and isolation methods
  • Subsampling strategy
  • Clean-up steps to reduce background interference

5. Microplastic Identification & Categorization

Report:

  • Identification methods (FT-IR, Raman, microscopy, etc.)
  • Instrument settings and spectral libraries
  • Classification criteria (shape, polymer type, size classes)

➡️ Supporting tools and examples:

6. Quantification & Units

Include:

  • Count vs. mass reporting
  • Detection limits (LOD/LOQ)
  • Normalization approach (per m³, per g dry weight)

➡️ Data harmonization tools:

7. Toxicology & Biological Endpoints (if applicable)

Provide:

  • Exposure conditions and controls
  • Test organism details
  • Endpoint definitions and statistical methods

Citation

Cowger, W., Booth, A. M., Hamilton, B. M., Thaysen, C., et al. (2020). Reporting Guidelines to Increase the Reproducibility and Comparability of Research on Microplastics. Applied Spectroscopy, 74(9).

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