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Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris
Published on: July 28, 2018
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.
Abstract:
Literature about the occurrence of microplastic in biological tissues has increased over the last few years. This review aims to synthesis the evidence on the preparation of biological tissues, chemical identification of microplastic and accumulation in tissues. Several microplastic's extraction approaches from biological tissues emerged (i.e., alkaline, acids, oxidizing and enzymatic). However, criteria used for the selection of the extraction method have yet to be clarified. Similarly, analytical methodologies for chemical identification often does not align with the size of particles. Furthermore, sizes of microplastics found in biological tissues are likely to be biologically implausible, due to the size of the biological barriers. From this review, it emerged that further assessment are required to determine whether microplastic particles were truly internalized, were in the vasculature serving these organs, or were an artefact of the methodological process. The importance of a standardisation of quality control/quality assurance emerged. Findings arose from this review could have a broad implication, and could be used as a basis for further investigations, to reduce artifact results and clearly assess the fate of microplastics in biological tissues.
Insights
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.
