%0 journal article
%@ 0304-3894
%A Hildebrandt, L., Zimmermann, T., Primpke, S., Fischer, D., Gerdts, G., Pröfrock, D.

%D 2021
%J Journal of Hazardous Materials

%P 125482 
%R doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125482
%T Comparison and uncertainty evaluation of two centrifugal separators for microplastic sampling
%U https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125482
 
%X For the first time in microplastic research, an expanded uncertainty was calculated according to the “Guide to the expression of Uncertainty in Measurement” (JCGM 100:2008). Bottom-up uncertainty evaluation revealed the different sampling methods (~ 44%), sample replicates (~ 26%) and the different detection techniques (~ 16%) as the major sources of uncertainty. Depending on the number of particles detected in the samples, the relative expanded uncertainty (Urel (k =2)) ranged from 24% up to > 200% underpinning tremendous importance of sound uncertainty evaluation. Our results indicate that scientist should rethink many “observed patterns” in the literature due to being insignificant and herewith not real.