Development of a fast and efficient method to analyze microplastics in planktonic samples

Microplastics (MPs) affect plankton (a basis of the trophic chain) and planktivorous fish can ingest them through food confusion or by transmission. Consensus to determine MPs in is lacking and, so, three digestion treatments were evaluated: Alkaline (potassium hydroxide) enzymatic (protease plus lipase) digestions, both combined with a hydrogen peroxide stage; an oxidative method using surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate) peroxide. The alkaline potassium hydroxide was found damage polystyrene. identified stereomicroscope characterized reflectance infrared microscopy semi-automatic mode (using dedicated multi-well aluminium plates). Analytical recoveries for polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride polyethylene terephthalate higher than 75%, 82% 83% alkaline, treatments, respectively. successfully validated European interlaboratory exercise demonstrated be reliable, fast cheaper alternative.