Simplified and miniaturized procedure based on ultrasound-assisted cytosol preparation for the determination of Cd and Cu bound to metallothioneins in mussel tissue by ICP-MS

► We develop a simplified and miniaturized sample preparation procedure for obtaining cytosols. ► Cd and Cu bound to metallothioneins by ICP-MS in mussel tissue are determined. ► Indirect sonication with a sonoreactor Cup-Horn is applied. ► The usual step of heating and additional centrifugations of conventional procedures can be omitted. ► Metal bound to MTs together with total metal content provide significant environmental information.