# Optimization of an analytical methodology to determine microplastic contamination in different seaweed groups (Phaeophyceae, Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta)

## TL;DR

Researchers developed a method to detect microplastics in seaweed, finding it works well for most plastics but not all.

## Contribution

Optimized a sequential enzymatic-oxidative digestion method for microplastic analysis in three seaweed groups.

## Key findings

- The optimized method preserved polymer integrity for 8 out of 12 microplastic types with recovery rates ≥ 90%.
- Four polymers (cellulose-acetate, polyamide, acrylic, rayon) showed significant degradation during digestion.
- The protocol is suitable for most common microplastics but requires caution for specific types like cellulose-acetate and polyamide.

## Abstract

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 (Fucus vesiculosus, Chondrus crispus and Ulva lactuca). 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.

•Methodology optimized to analyzed MPs contamination in three seaweed groups.•A sequential enzymatic–oxidative digestion preserved most MPs integrity.•Most MPs (8 out of 12) polymers had recovery rates > 90 %.

Methodology optimized to analyzed MPs contamination in three seaweed groups.

A sequential enzymatic–oxidative digestion preserved most MPs integrity.

Most MPs (8 out of 12) polymers had recovery rates > 90 %.

Image, graphical abstract