Development and optimization of a standard method for extraction of microplastics in mussels by enzyme digestion of soft tissues

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec><jats:label /><jats:p>The authors compared procedures for digestion of mussel soft tissues and extraction of microplastics. Complete tissue digestion was achieved with 1M NaOH, 35% HNO<jats:sub>3</jats:sub>, and protease at 9.6 UHb/mL (unit hemoglobin per mL); but use of HNO<jats:sub>3</jats:sub> caused unacceptable destruction of some microplastics. Recovery of microplastics spiked into mussels was similar (93 ± 10%) for NaOH and enzyme digestions. The authors recommend use of industrial enzymes based on digestion efficiency, microplastic recovery, and avoidance of caustic chemicals. <jats:italic>Environ Toxicol Chem</jats:italic> 2017;36:947–951. © 2016 SETAC</jats:p></jats:sec>