ASTM D8402

ASTM D8402 is a standard practice for developing microplastic reference samples for calibration and proficiency evaluation in all types of water matrices with high to low levels of suspended solids. It is relevant for laboratories and technical teams that need consistent reference materials to support microplastic measurement work. By helping define how these samples are prepared and used, the standard supports more reliable calibration, clearer performance checks, and better comparability across testing programs.

ASTM D8402 standard overview

This ASTM standard focuses on the development of microplastic reference samples intended for calibration and proficiency evaluation. Its technical value is in providing a common practice for creating reference materials that can be used across different water matrices, including those with varying suspended solids content. ASTM D8402 is especially useful when consistent test materials are needed to evaluate method performance, check instrument response, or support quality assurance activities tied to microplastic analysis.

Where is ASTM D8402 used?

This practice is commonly used in laboratory and analytical workflows that assess microplastics in water. It may support environmental testing, method validation, and routine proficiency evaluation where water samples differ in clarity or suspended solids level. The standard is relevant to teams preparing reference samples for calibration of measurement systems and for comparing analytical performance across water matrices. ASTM D8402 helps keep those reference materials aligned with a consistent technical approach.

Practical importance of ASTM D8402

In practice, ASTM D8402 helps improve consistency when working with microplastic reference samples, which can reduce variability in calibration and proficiency testing. That matters for quality control, procurement of reference materials, and evaluation of analytical performance across different water conditions. Using a recognized ASTM practice can also support better documentation and more defensible results when laboratories need to show that their reference samples and evaluation processes follow a common technical basis.

• Microplastic reference sample development
• Calibration support for water analysis
• Proficiency evaluation and performance checks
• Applicable to varied water matrices
• Useful for quality control workflows