CFAs: Method Refinement and Standardization for Microplastics Sample Collection and Analysis

The research team will conduct a survey and targeted interviews of water and wastewater utilities currently conducting sampling and analysis for microplastics to identify real-world challenges with specific methodologies.

Objectives

• Identify rigorously evaluated sample collection and analysis methodology, including QA/QC protocols, for source water, finished water, wastewater, and solids matrices that supports reliability and consistency of collected data and allows for meaningful data interpretation and policy implementation.
• Evaluate the suitability of surrogate methods to provide more rapid and cost-effective measures of microplastic occurrence.

Funding Information

• The maximum funding available from WRF for this project is $325,000. The applicant must contribute additional resources equivalent to at least 33% of the project award. For example, if an applicant requests $100,000 from WRF, an additional $33,000 or more must be contributed by the applicant. Acceptable forms of applicant contribution include cost share, applicant inkind, or third-party in-kind that comply with 2 CFR Part 200.306 cost sharing or matching. The applicant may elect to contribute more than 33% to the project, but the maximum WRF funding available remains fixed at $325,000.
• The anticipated period of performance for this project is 24 months from the contract start date.

Expected Deliverables

• Research report.
• Literature review documenting current sampling and analytical methodologies and limitations of each.
• A guidance manual, which includes detailed sample and analysis methods with robust QA/QC protocols that water and wastewater utilities can use to collect reliable data to inform policy development and management actions. This should also include conclusions regarding the suitability of surrogates to provide more rapid and cost-effective measures of microplastic abundance.
• A webcast or conference presentation that identifies the limitations observed in existing sampling and analytical methodologies and the team’s approach to developing standardized methods.
• Peer-reviewed journal article.

Eligibility Criteria

• Proposals will be accepted from both U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based entities, including educational institutions, research organizations, governmental agencies, and consultants or other for-profit entities.
• WRF’s Board of Directors has established a Timeliness Policy that addresses researcher adherence to the project schedule. Researchers who are late on any ongoing WRF-sponsored studies without approved no-cost extensions are not eligible to be named participants in any proposals.

For more information, visit WRF.