--- type: "WebPage" title: "Laboratory analysis of microplastics according to the standard ISO 24187 (presence in the environment)" description: "You would like to carry out a microplastics analysis in accordance with the ISO 24187 Microplastics Microplastics are small particles of plastic (< 5 mm) dispersed in the environment. They may be fragments of plastic objects or plastic microbeads, which..." resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/analysis-microplastics-iso-24187/" tags: ["EN", "pll_6776626a50910", "Thomas GAUTIER"] timestamp: "2025-12-31T08:32:33Z" published: "2025-01-02T10:59:32Z" language: "en" author: "Laure Durieux" --- # Laboratory analysis of microplastics according to the standard ISO 24187 (presence in the environment) ## You would like to carry out a microplastics analysis in accordance with the ISO 24187 ### Microplastics Microplastics are small particles of plastic (< 5 mm) dispersed in the environment. They may be fragments of plastic objects or plastic microbeads, which are increasingly used by industry in [cosmetics](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-cosmetics/determination-acetaldehyde-content-cosmetic-products.md), [paints](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-paint-varnish.md) and detergents, as well as in certain agricultural, [medical](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-sem-scanning-electron-microscopy/laboratory-sem-edx-analysis-for-the-healthcare-industry/) and construction products. Our intensive use of plastics in everyday life has led to the appearance of slowly degradable plastic materials that are entering our environment, our food chain and our water. Regular checks on your products and industrial environments may therefore be necessary. ![pvc](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/microplastiques.png) ### Why analyse microplastics? Microplastics, particles smaller than 5 mm, represent a major environmental and health issue. Their presence in products, water and the environment raises growing regulatory and societal issues. The European Commission has published rules for sampling and analysing microplastics in ambient air, pollutants in surface water and groundwater, and the treatment of urban wastewater. The [ISO 24187](https://www.boutique.afnor.org/fr-fr/norme/nf-en-iso-24187/principes-danalyse-des-microplastiques-presents-dans-lenvironnement/fa198589/352307#AreasStoreProductsSummaryView) standard sets out general principles for analysing microplastics in the environment at all stages, from sampling to data processing, for different matrices. [Our expertise in microplastics](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-microplastics/) ![microplastiques-environnement](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/microplastiques-environnement-reduit-qzer2wkjy1vvgekdwu16zx5fyf5fxlay1d58ag5diw.jpg) ## FILAB can help you analyse microplastics according to the ISO 24187 standard ### Why choose FILAB for microplastics analysis according to the standard ISO 24187? The FILAB laboratory has developed extensive expertise in [analysis and detection of microplastics](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-microplastics/) in industrial products and wastewater. Characterisation and research into microplastics can be carried out using various analytical approaches: ## our technical resources Microplastic analysis by [FTIR](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-ftir-microscopy.md) spectroscopy Microplastic analysis by [RAMAN spectroscopy](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-raman-spectroscopy.md) [**AFM**](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/atomic-force-microscopy-afm-laboratory.md) Infrared Detection of microplastics under a microscope ([Optical Microscopy](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-of-analysis-and-observation-by-optical-microscope-mo.md), [SEM](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-sem-scanning-electron-microscopy.md)…) **[Pyrolysis GC-MS ](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/py-gc-ms-pyrolysis-gc-ms.md)** These analytical techniques enable the rapid detection and characterisation of the presence of microplastics and synthetic polymer microparticles on the surface of a material or in a solution, in accordance with the new European Committee regulations (ISO 24187). ## OUR ANALYSIS SERVICES Characterization of microplastics Analysis of microplastics in waste water Solubility threshold of the polymer to define whether it is considered microplastic by **OECD method 120** Identification and quantification of different polymers [Counting and identification of microplastics](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-deposit-contamination/laboratory-identification-counting-particulate-contmaninant.md) Analysis according to method 445.0: [microbeads](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-plastic-microbeads.md) in consumer products [Analysis of microplastics in accordance with the CSRD Directive](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/analysis-microplastics-csrd-directive.md) Analysis of contaminants and [additives](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/polymer-additives.md) ## FAQ Who are the main culprits behind microplastic pollution? Common sources of microplastic pollution include : - Consumer products: synthetic textiles, cosmetics, tyres. - Poorly managed plastic waste: bags, bottles and packaging. - Industrial waste: particles from the production or recycling of plastics. Where are microplastics found? Microplastics have been detected in almost all natural environments: - Oceans and rivers. - Agricultural soils and sedimentary deposits. - Ambient air. - Food products and drinking water. What are the environmental impacts of microplastics? - Pollution of aquatic ecosystems: Microplastics disrupt marine life, in particular by being ingested by aquatic organisms. - Accumulation in soils: Microplastics can alter soil structure and affect plant health. - Dispersal of pollutants: These particles act as vectors for toxic chemicals (pesticides, hydrocarbons). Why is analysis of microplastics essential? - Quantify the presence of microplastics to meet regulatory requirements. - Understand their impact on ecosystems and human health. - Develop appropriate reduction strategies.