Improved Raman spectroscopy-based approach to assess microplastics in seafood

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Marine Biology

Background:

• Microplastics are a growing environmental concern, found in seafood and posing risks to ecosystems and human health.
• Assessing microplastics in seafood faces technical challenges, necessitating improved analytical methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an improved, efficient protocol for microplastic assessment in seafood using Raman spectroscopy.
• To address common technical challenges in microplastic analysis, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

Main Methods:

• Developed a protocol using stainless-steel filter membranes with minimal Raman interference.
• Utilized a chemical digestion combination for 99-100% biomass digestion efficiency.
• Employed automated Raman mapping for microplastic identification and quantification.

Main Results:

• Achieved 90-100% recovery rates for seven microplastic types with negligible surface modification.
• Raman spectra showed 94-99% similarity between treated and untreated microplastics, confirming identification accuracy.
• Confirmed the presence of microplastics (polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, PET) in green-lipped mussels and Japanese jack mackerel.

Conclusions:

• The developed protocol offers an improved, streamlined workflow for microplastic analysis in biological samples.
• The method is suitable for routine monitoring, enhancing our ability to track microplastic contamination in seafood.
• Findings highlight the prevalence of microplastics in marine ecosystems, underscoring the need for continued research and monitoring.