Lab Gloves: The Hidden Culprit Behind Microplastic Measurement Errors

Accurate quantification of environmental microplastics is crucial for understanding pollution sources, but standard laboratory practices may be systematically skewing research results. This study reveals that commonly used nitrile and latex gloves release compounds that mimic microplastic spectral signatures, producing thousands of false positives per sample. The research provides practical solutions—including cleanroom glove alternatives and improved spectral analysis workflows—that can significantly enhance the accuracy of microplastic abundance estimates.