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SciPi 770: Best Practices: Detecting and Quantifying Micro- Nanoplastics (MNP) in Biological Tissues
Are there any additional classification schemes that you think are more appropriate for classifying plastic particles in biological tissues?
Results
(9 Answers)
The experts are divided on whether additional classification schemes are appropriate for plastic particles in biological tissues. Four experts (1, 3, 5) suggest additional classification criteria, while five experts (2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9) believe no additional schemes are necessary.
Among those suggesting additional classifications:
- Size classification was mentioned by Expert 3
- Degree of weathering was suggested by both Experts 3 and 5, with Expert 5 noting this could indicate environmental exposure and potential contamination with other pollutants
- Additive content was proposed by Expert 3, though acknowledged as complex
- Expert 1 highlighted the lack of standardization in classification schemes and suggested measuring particles by mass or weight rather than physical characteristics for biological samples, noting this would be more relevant to risk assessment
Among those satisfied with current schemes, Expert 6 specifically endorsed the importance of morphology (physical impact) and polymer classification (chemical impact) as the most important existing classifications for biological tissues.
Summary Generated by AI
Answer Explanations
- Yes (please explain)Expert 3If possible, size classification should be included. Degree of weathering is also a possibility (e.g., carbonyl index). Additive content (though highly complex) is also a possibility.
- NoExpert 9I am unaware of classification schemes other than those mentioned in the draft paper.
- NoExpert 4I think that in principle any existing classification system can be used for plastics in biological tissues provided that the digestion or any other form of pre-processing of the sample, was sufficient to visualize the plastics.
- Yes (please explain)Expert 1The classification scheme is still not standardized/harmonized even for environmental samples. How many types of plastics really are out there? I have read from stating up to 40 types of plastics. Are tire wear particles classified as plastics? A clear listing of the types of MNPs that are currently analyzed/used by researchers need to be presented on this manuscript.
For biological samples, it is more appropriate to use a methodology that measures them in mass or weight (as ng/g or ug/g) rather than size, shape and color, which have no meaning when it comes to risk. A recommendation on that regard is needed. - Yes (please explain)Expert 5If possible to adequately assess, it would be instructive to know the "weathering" of the particles. MNPs that exhibit "weathering" give a soft measure of the environmental exposure of the particle and thus the possible contamination of other persistent organic pollutants.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2021.117011
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119669
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsenvironau.2c00036 - NoExpert 6I think morphology (physical impact) and polymer classification (chemical impact) are most important classification for particles in biological tissues.
Expert 8
07/31/2025 02:40Expert 1 asks about the different types of plastic polymers - there are 1000s of plastic polymers and within each polymer there are 1000s of different grades and additive packages. Particles should absolutely be identified to the polymer chemical structure and reported by polymer category. Tire wear is an interesting and challenging category, since tires are made of a variety of polymer blends and with other polymer reinforcing fibers. Oof, they are challenging but I agree that tire and road wear particles get their own category because of the abundance in natural environments.
Expert 4
07/31/2025 04:52Expert 5
07/31/2025 19:34