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A review on methods for extracting and quantifying microplastic in biological tissues.
Cristina Di Fiore1, Yukari Ishikawa2, Stephanie L Wright2
1Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, via De Sanctis, I-86100 Campobasso, Italy.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|November 18, 2023
Summary
Microplastic contamination in biological tissues is a growing concern. This review highlights challenges in extraction and identification methods, urging standardization to confirm true microplastic internalization and avoid artifacts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- Growing body of literature on microplastic occurrence in biological tissues.
- Need for synthesis of evidence regarding microplastic detection and accumulation.
- Concerns about the validity of current findings due to methodological limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize evidence on microplastic preparation, chemical identification, and accumulation in biological tissues.
- To critically evaluate existing extraction and analytical methodologies.
- To identify research gaps and areas for standardization.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on microplastic detection in biological tissues.
- Analysis of various microplastic extraction techniques (alkaline, acid, oxidizing, enzymatic).
- Evaluation of analytical methodologies for chemical identification and particle sizing.
Main Results:
- Multiple extraction approaches exist, but selection criteria are unclear.
- Analytical methods often do not match particle sizes, raising concerns about detection limits.
- Observed microplastic sizes in tissues may be biologically implausible, suggesting potential artifacts.
- Further assessment is needed to distinguish true internalization from vascular presence or procedural artifacts.
Conclusions:
- Current methodologies for microplastic detection in biological tissues require significant refinement and standardization.
- Quality control and quality assurance are crucial to reduce artifactual results.
- Standardized approaches are essential for accurately assessing microplastic fate and biological impact.
