This article is a tutorial that focuses on the main aspects to be considered when applying Multivariate Curve Resolution to analyze multicomponent systems, particularly when the Multivariate Curve Resolution-Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) algorithm is used. These aspects include general MCR comments on the potential fields of application and construction of data structures and details linked to each of the steps in the application workflow of the MCR-ALS algorithm (e.g., selection of initial estimates, choice and application of constraints, quality parameters of models and assessment of ambiguity,…). Two examples with downloadable data sets are shown for orientation on the practical use of this methodology.

Microplastics have become one of the leading environmental threats due to their persistence, ubiquity and intrinsic toxic potential. The potential harm that microplastics impose on ecosystems varies from direct effects (i.e., entanglement and ingestion) to their ability to sorb a diversity of environmental pollutants (e.g., heavy metals, persistent organic compounds or pharmaceuticals). Therefore, the toxicological assessment of the combined effects of microplastics and sorbed pollutants can produce in biota is one of the hottest topics on the environmental toxicology field. This review aims to clarify the main impacts that this interaction could have on ecosystems by (1) highlighting the principal factors that influence the microplastics sorption capacities; (2) discussing the potential scenarios in which microplastics may have an essential role on the bioaccumulation and transfer of chemicals; and (3) reviewing the recently published studies describing toxicological effects caused by the combination of microplastics and their sorbed chemicals. Finally, a discussion regarding the need for a new generation of toxicological studies is presented.