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Updated: Dec 9, 2025
Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis
Published on: December 16, 2016
Evidence of small microplastics (<100 μm) ingestion by Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas): A novel method of
1Institute of Polar Sciences, CNR-ISP, Campus Scientifico - Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172 Venezia-Mestre, Italy; Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172 Venezia-Mestre, Italy.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) are present in fresh, brackish, or marine waters. Micro- and macroinvertebrates can mistake MPs or small microplastics (SMPs, <100 μm) to be food particles and easily ingest them according to the size of their mouthparts. SMPs may then block the passage of food through the intestinal tract (i.e. hepatopancreas), accumulate within the organism, and enter the food web. Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) are allochthonous filter-feeding bivalve mollusks, which have been introduced in coastal seas around the world in both natural banks and farms. Considering their economic and ecological value, these bivalves have been chosen as a model to study the ingestion of SMPs. A novel method for the extraction and purification of SMPs in bivalves was developed. Quantification and simultaneous polymer identification of SMPs using Micro-FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) were performed, with a limit of detection for the particle size of 5 μm.
Insights
Small microplastics (<100 μm) are ingested by marine invertebrates, posing risks to organisms and food webs. This study developed a new method to detect and identify these microplastics in Pacific oysters.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) contaminate aquatic environments globally.
- Small microplastics (SMPs, <100 μm) are ingested by invertebrates, potentially causing blockages and entering the food web.
- Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) are ecologically and economically important filter feeders, making them a suitable model organism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel method for extracting and purifying SMPs from bivalve tissues.
- To quantify and identify polymer types of ingested SMPs in Pacific oysters.
- To establish a sensitive detection limit for SMP analysis in marine organisms.
Main Methods:
- Development of a new extraction and purification technique for SMPs in bivalve matrices.
- Utilized Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (Micro-FTIR) for simultaneous quantification and polymer identification.
- Achieved a particle size detection limit of 5 μm for accurate SMP analysis.
Main Results:
- Successfully extracted and purified SMPs from Pacific oyster tissues.
- Quantified and identified various polymer types of ingested SMPs.
- Demonstrated the efficacy of the novel method with a low detection limit.
Conclusions:
- The developed method enables sensitive detection and identification of SMPs in bivalves.
- This research provides crucial insights into microplastic ingestion by commercially important shellfish.
- Findings contribute to understanding the ecological impact of microplastics on marine food webs.
