Guidelines for Harmonizing Ocean Surface Microplastic Monitoring Methods, Version 1.2

Abstract

ATLAS OF OCEAN MICROPLASTICS (AOMI), a global database of surface microplastics was launched in 2024 at https://aomi.env.go.jp/. It contains the data from all over the world, in line with the Guidelines, The uploaded version (1.2) of “Guidelines for Harmonizing Ocean Surface Microplastic Monitoring Methods (revised in 2023)” (herein after referred to as the Guidelines) primary goal is to propose ways of harmonizing methodologies for monitoring microplastic densities at the ocean surface to deliver comparable results. The Guidelines indicate the rationale for various sample collection methods, sample handling and processing, analytical procedures, reporting requirements, and other matters necessary or desirable for harmonization. This harmonization initiative is based on governmental commitment at G7 and G20.