This training from the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) will explore the following topics:

  • An introduction to microplastics, their sources, and worldwide distribution
  • The pathways through which microplastics can enter and travel in the environment and their distribution in various media (water, soil, sediment, air, and biota)
  • A current look at the most common techniques and best practices for sampling and analyzing microplastics
  • Potential human health and ecological risks associated with microplastics in the environment
  • An overview of existing regulations related to microplastics and macroplastics at the state, federal, and international levels
  • Examples of prevention and mitigation strategies and best management practices to reduce microplastics from entering the environment and the emerging technologies to abate, treat, and remediate microplastics once they exist in the environment
  • Identification of data gaps and the need for further research
  • Several case studies illustrating a range of current microplastics-related topics

Before the training, participants are encouraged to view the associated ITRC Microplastics Guidance Document.