We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic extraction from digestive tracts of large decapods
AI summary Read the abstract
This study developed and validated a method for extracting microplastics from the digestive tracts of large decapod crustaceans, enabling accurate quantification and polymer identification. The protocol minimizes contamination and is suitable for routine monitoring of seafood species.
The reliable quantification of microplastic contamination in chitinous organisms requires validated methods to remove interfering complex organic and inorganic material. This study trialled KOH, H2O2 and HNO3 digestion methods on the digestive tracts of two large decapods (Panulirus cygnus and Portunus armatus) to validate a protocol that facilitates reliable microplastic extraction. KOH digestion provided the best recovery (>95 %) of all polymers (e.g. polyamide, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride), with the lowest impact to their physical morphology and chemical spectra. While HNO3, and HNO3 + H2O2 treatments were more effective at digesting chitin, they destroyed polyamide, and altered several other polymers. High digestion efficiency did not result in high matrix clarification or high microplastic recovery for large decapods. This study emphasises the importance of validating species-specific microplastic extraction methods, whilst proposing additional post-digestion protocols, such as density separation, for complex samples, that can be applied in future research investigating plastic contamination in large decapods.
More Papers Like This
A review of current approaches for the study of microplastic contamination in crustaceans
AI summary Read the abstract
This review assessed current methodological approaches for studying microplastic contamination in crustaceans, evaluating techniques for extraction, identification, and quantification while highlighting gaps in standardization that limit cross-study comparisons and risk assessment for these ecologically important invertebrates.
Evaluation and optimisation of sample preparation protocols suitable for the analysis of plastic particles present in seafood
AI summary Read the abstract
Ten digestion protocols for extracting microplastics from seafood were compared across a broad range of species, evaluating their ability to fully digest tissue without damaging polymer integrity, providing a basis for selecting suitable methods for human exposure assessment.
Microplastic pollution in wild populations of decapod crustaceans: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics found in wild populations of decapod crustaceans including crabs and shrimps. They found that fibrous microplastics smaller than 1 mm were the most commonly detected type, and that edible portions generally contained fewer microplastics than non-edible parts. The review highlights the importance of understanding microplastic contamination in commercially valuable crustaceans for both ecological and food safety assessments.
Identification of an optimized protocol for extraction and characterization of microplastics in seafood products
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper develops an optimized laboratory protocol for extracting and characterizing microplastics from seafood products.
Development and optimization of a standard method for extraction of microplastics in mussels by enzyme digestion of soft tissues
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers optimized methods for digesting mussel soft tissue and extracting microplastics for analysis, finding that sodium hydroxide and enzymatic digestion both achieved high recoveries (~93%) while acid digestion damaged certain plastic types. The validated method provides a reliable protocol for monitoring microplastic contamination in commercially important bivalves.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.