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| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Artículo científico |
| Language: | en |
| Published: |
MethodsX
2026
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| Online Access: | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41743046/ |
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Table of Contents:
- Optimization of an analytical methodology to determine microplastic contamination in different seaweed groups (Phaeophyceae, Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta). Pereira, Rúben Almeida, C Marisa R Ramos, Sandra Seaweed are primary producers and potential vectors of microplastics (MPs) contamination, yet robust extraction methods that digest complex algal matrices while preserving polymer integrity remain limited. A sequential enzymatic-oxidative digestion was optimized for three seaweeds ( and ). The optimized process involved the initial addition of cellulase (1% w/v, 24 h, 50 °C) followed by H₂O₂ (30% v/v, 48-72 h, 65 °C). Across nine 0.5 g dry-weight sub-replicates (3 per seaweed), 30 MPs were found (6.7 MPs/g⁻¹). The integrity of polymers was assessed for 12 MPs polymers, with acceptable performance being defined as ≥ 90% recovery and spectroscopic (through FTIR analysis) identifiability. Eight polymers met this threshold (90-101%). Four polymers were adversely affected with the long 72 H₂O₂ incubation, namely: cellulose-acetate (53% recovery), polyamide (61%), acrylic (3%) and rayon (2%). Although polymers remained identifiable, sequential digestion produced mass loss and visible changes (e.g. polyamide opacity, cellulose-acetate brittleness), which may increase fragmentation and miss-identification. Therefore, the protocol is suitable for most common MPs, but not for rayon and acrylic, and should be applied cautiously where cellulose-acetate or polyamide are expected.