Optimization of an Analytical Protocol for the Extraction of Microplastics from Seafood Samples with Different Levels of Fat

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Silva, DM (Author) Other; Marisa M R Almeida (Author) FCUP; Guardiola, F (Author) Other; Rodrigues, SM (Author) Other; Ramos, S (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Molecules

Vol. 24

Final page: 5172

ISSN: 1420-3049

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citations

Scopus - 2 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00X-419

DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165172

Abstract (EN): Marine organisms are affected by the ubiquitous occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment. Several protocols have been described to extract and quantify MPs in seafood, although their complex matrices, with high level of fat, can compromise the efficiency of MPs extraction. To solve this issue, the present study aimed to develop a detailed methodology suitable to process seafood samples with different levels of fat, namely fish and molluscs, from fresh and canned sources, including the immersive liquids from the cans. Sample digestion was tested using different solutions (10% KOH, 30% H2O2), temperatures (40 degrees C, 65 degrees C) and incubation times (24, 48, 72 h). For fat removal, three detergents (two laboratory surfactants and a commercial dish detergent) and 96% ethanol were tested, as well as the manual separation of fat. The methodology optimized in this study combined a digestion with 30% H2O2 at 65 degrees C, during 24 to 48 h, with a manual separation of the fat remaining after the digestion. All steps from the present methodology were tested in six types of polymers (PE-LD, PET, PE, AC, PS, and lycra), to investigate if these procedures altered the integrity of MPs. Results showed that the optimized methodology will allow for the efficient processing of complex seafood samples with different fat levels, without compromising MPs integrity (recoveries rate higher than 89% for all the polymers tested).

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14