Development and optimization of a standard method for extraction of microplastics in mussels by enzyme digestion of soft tissues

Environ Toxicol Chem. 2017 Apr;36(4):947-951. doi: 10.1002/etc.3608. Epub 2016 Oct 20.

Abstract

The authors compared procedures for digestion of mussel soft tissues and extraction of microplastics. Complete tissue digestion was achieved with 1M NaOH, 35% HNO3 , and protease at 9.6 UHb/mL (unit hemoglobin per mL); but use of HNO3 caused unacceptable destruction of some microplastics. Recovery of microplastics spiked into mussels was similar (93 ± 10%) for NaOH and enzyme digestions. The authors recommend use of industrial enzymes based on digestion efficiency, microplastic recovery, and avoidance of caustic chemicals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:947-951. © 2016 SETAC.

Keywords: Emerging pollutants; Environmental toxicology; Enzymatic digestion; Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR); Microplastics; Mussels.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bivalvia / chemistry*
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Environmental Monitoring / standards*
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Nitric Acid / chemistry
  • Peptide Hydrolases / chemistry
  • Plastics / analysis*
  • Sodium Hydroxide / chemistry
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*

Substances

  • Plastics
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Nitric Acid
  • Sodium Hydroxide
  • Peptide Hydrolases