Plastic production has increased continuously since its massification in the 1950s. Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are contaminants widespread across all environmental compartments, including remote ecosystems. Thus, MPs could serve as geological proxies of the Anthropocene, a proposed geological epoch characterized for the human-derived influence on the environment. MP investigation in sedimentary records requires specific sampling and analytical procedures exclusive to this line of research. Failing to properly conduct one or many of the standardized procedures compromises the veracity of the data obtained. In the present review, we assessed the current advances and notorious results in studies investigating MPs in the sedimentary record, a recent area of research. Also, a method-based diagnosis was conducted by critically analyzing the sampling and dating, MP extraction, polymer identification, and contamination prevention steps. We aimed to provide recommendations to future research based on critical analyses of the current state of the art and to present prospective outlooks regarding MPs as geological markers of modern civilization.

自 1950 年代大规模生产以来，塑料产量不断增加。微塑料 (MP) 是小于 5 毫米的塑料颗粒，是广泛存在于所有环境区划中的污染物，包括偏远的生态系统。因此，MP 可以作为人类世的地质代表，人类世是一个拟议的地质时代，其特征是人类对环境的影响。沉积记录中的 MP 调查需要特定的采样和分析程序，这仅限于这一研究领域。未能正确执行一项或多项标准化程序会损害所获得数据的准确性。在本综述中，我们评估了最近的研究领域沉积记录中 MPs 的研究进展和臭名昭著的结果。还，通过严格分析采样和测年、MP 提取、聚合物鉴定和污染预防步骤，进行了基于方法的诊断。我们旨在根据对当前技术水平的批判性分析为未来的研究提供建议，并提出将 MP 作为现代文明的地质标志的前瞻性观点。