Current status of the quantification of microplastics in water : results of a JRC/BAM interlaboratory comparison study on PET in water

Microplastics are becoming ubiquitous in the environment and there is growing concern that they present a risk to the environment via contamination of water, soil and air. In addition, there are emerging worries that microplastics may impact human health following ingestion of contaminated food and beverages, domestic drinking water or through inhalation of airborne particulates. Unfortunately, the potential hazards presented by microplastics are still poorly understood and further research is needed to make a properly informed judgement of the effective level of risk. To address the growth in microplastic pollution, the European Commission is taking a number of actions under the European Green Deal [EC 2019] and the Circular Economy Action Plan [EC 2020]. Examples include regulatory measures to restrict the intentional use of microplastics in consumer or professional products, develop labelling of consumer goods, monitor the occurrence of microplastics and other measures preventing unintentional release of microplastics. Additionally, the EU Research Programmes [e.g. Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe] are supporting the development and harmonisation of methods for measuring microplastics and, more generally, closing the gaps on scientific knowledge related to the risk and occurrence of microplastics.