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Microplastics in Table Salts: Sources, Abundance, Types, and Consumption– A Review
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This global review synthesizes research on microplastic contamination in table salts, examining sources, abundance, particle types, and estimated human consumption, finding that sea salts tend to have higher microplastic loads than rock or lake salts.
Microplastics (MPs) exist everywhere, from the bottom of the ocean to the peak of mountains, and pose a significant threat to species and habitats. These tiny plastic particles have polluted all components of the biosphere, including both biotic and abiotic components of the Earth. There is a global concern regarding this problem and studying MPs in various compartments of Earth is mandatory. This paper reviews the research articles published worldwide on microplastic particles' prevalence, composition, abundance, color, and structure using methodologies like filtration, spectroscopy, and chemical analysis in all table salts, including sea, rock, and lake salts. This review paper analyzes and compares the Atlantic Ocean as the most polluted with per capita plastic waste disposal compared to the Arctic and Pacific oceans. Microplastic contamination is higher in Asia. The most contaminated salt type is sea salts followed by lake and rock salts. Morphologically, fibers are more abundant than fragments or films of plastics. The consumption of table salts is higher in some countries, indicating the varying microplastic consumption in humans.
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This systematic review and meta-analysis examined microplastic contamination in table salt from around the world. It found that microplastics are present in most salt products intended for human consumption, with sea salt generally containing more particles than rock or lake salt, representing a consistent source of dietary microplastic exposure.
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Sixteen brands of table salt sold in Turkish markets — including sea, lake, and rock salts — were found to contain microplastics, with the highest concentrations in sea salt. The study adds to global evidence of microplastic contamination in commercially sold salt and indicates widespread human dietary exposure through this common food ingredient.
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