Overview - ISO 24187:2023 (Principles for the analysis of microplastics present in the environment)
ISO 24187:2023 sets out principles for the analysis of microplastics across environmental matrices. Published as the first edition in 2023, the standard defines particle size classes (microplastics: 1 µm to 1 000 µm; large microplastics: 1 mm to 5 mm), describes minimum requirements for sampling, sample preparation and representative sample quantities, and establishes baseline practices to ensure consistent, comparable results while more specific standards are developed. ISO 24187:2023 is explicitly a principles document - it does not prescribe monitoring protocols.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Particle size classification: Clear definitions for microplastics and large microplastics to guide method selection and reporting.
- Scope of environmental matrices: Guidance covers sampling and analysis for water, soils (terrestrial, semiterrestrial, subhydric/sediments), air (indoor/outdoor), sludges, mineral/inorganic materials and biota.
- Sampling principles: Minimum requirements on sampling approaches, representative sample quantities and apparatus selection to reduce bias and improve comparability.
- Sample preparation: Guidance on drying, milling, removal of inorganic and organic matter and prevention of contamination.
- Detection and identification: Framework for selecting appropriate detection techniques based on objectives (e.g., particle counts, polymer identification, mass fraction).
- Data processing: Principles for interpreting single spectra/chromatograms and large datasets, with an annex on advanced data processing.
- Analytical quality assurance: Emphasis on plastics-free working conditions, use of metal/glass/ceramic apparatus where possible, non-synthetic PPE, recovery tests, reference materials and interlaboratory comparisons.
- Contamination control: Recommendations include laminar-flow handling or clean rooms (ISO 14644-1) and explicit avoidance of common plastic consumables unless justified.
Practical applications - who uses ISO 24187:2023
- Environmental laboratories developing or harmonizing microplastics analysis methods
- Regulatory agencies and policy makers seeking consistent, comparable data across studies
- Researchers studying microplastic occurrence, fate and transport in environmental matrices
- Industry and testing organizations preparing method development, validation and interlaboratory studies
- Standardization committees that will draft future matrix‑specific standards
Related standards and references
ISO 24187:2023 is an essential reference for anyone involved in microplastics analysis, promoting harmonized sampling, preparation, detection and quality assurance to improve comparability and reliability of environmental microplastics data.
