We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Improved Raman spectroscopy-based approach to assess microplastics in seafood
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed an improved Raman spectroscopy protocol for assessing microplastics in seafood, using green-lipped mussels and Japanese jack mackerel as test models. The study identified key methodological challenges in sample preparation and analysis, and proposed solutions that improve the accuracy and efficiency of microplastic identification in food products.
Microplastics represent an emerging environmental issue and have been found almost everywhere including seafood, raising a great concern about the ecological and human health risks they pose. This study addressed the common technical challenges in the assessment of microplastics in seafood by developing an improved protocol based on Raman spectroscopy and using the green-lipped mussel Perna viridis and the Japanese jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus as the test models. Our findings identified a type of stainless-steel filter membranes with minimal Raman interference, and a combination of chemicals that achieved 99-100% digestion efficiency for both organic and inorganic biomass. This combined chemical treatment reached 90-100% recovery rates for seven types of microplastics, on which the surface modification was considered negligible and did not affect the accuracy of polymer identification based on Raman spectra, which showed 94-99% similarity to corresponding untreated microplastics. The developed extraction method for microplastics was further combined with an automated Raman mapping approach, from which our results confirmed the presence of microplastics in P. viridis and T. japonicus collected from Hong Kong waters. Identified microplastics included polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene and poly(ethylene terephthalate), mainly in the form of fragments and fibres. Our protocol is applicable to other biological samples, and provides an improved alternative to streamline the workflow of microplastic analysis for routine monitoring purposes.
More Papers Like This
Optimization of a protocol for the extraction and chemical characterization of microplastics in Chamelea gallina by Raman microspectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers optimized an extraction and chemical characterization protocol for microplastics in bivalve molluscs, improving polymer identification through combined spectroscopic methods. The validated protocol provides a reliable approach for routine microplastic monitoring in shellfish used as bioindicators.
Optimization of a protocol for the extraction and chemical characterization of microplastics in Chamelea gallina by Raman microspectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed and optimized a protocol for extracting and chemically characterizing microplastics from bivalve molluscs, which are widely used as bioindicators of coastal water quality. The protocol improved recovery rates and polymer identification compared to previously used methods.
Determination of microplastics in the edible green-lipped mussel Perna viridis using an automated mapping technique of Raman microspectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used automated Raman microspectroscopy to identify and quantify microplastics in edible green-lipped mussels from Hong Kong mariculture zones. The study found microplastics in all sampled mussels, with fibers being the most common type, raising concerns about human dietary exposure given Hong Kong's high per-capita seafood consumption.
Extraction and identification of microplastics from mussels: Method development and preliminary results
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists developed and validated a method for extracting and identifying microplastics from mussel tissue, then applied it to measure contamination in commercially harvested mussels. The method produced reliable, reproducible results, providing a practical tool for monitoring microplastic levels in one of the world's most widely consumed shellfish.
Study on Rapid Recognition of Marine Microplastics Based on Raman Spectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a rapid identification system for marine microplastics using Raman spectroscopy, enabling quick determination of plastic type and size. Fast, accurate identification tools are critical for monitoring the growing problem of microplastic pollution in ocean environments.
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.