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Microplastic contamination in open-air market cauliflowers: integrated laboratory detection and vendor awareness assessment in Madurai, India
Summary
Cauliflower sold at open-air markets in Madurai, India contained tiny plastic particles (up to 16 pieces per cauliflower), while the same vegetable from supermarkets had none — suggesting the contamination likely comes from market handling, packaging, or storage rather than farming itself. Even more concerning, over 90% of the vendors surveyed had no idea this contamination was happening, meaning the problem is likely going unaddressed. While researchers are still studying exactly how eating microplastics affects the body long-term, this study is a reminder that the food you buy from open markets may carry hidden plastic exposure that even
Urban food systems are at risk from microplastic contamination due to inadequate awareness among vendors and direct food contamination. In this integrated study, microplastics were detected in cauliflower from three high-traffic markets in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, along with a comprehensive survey of 111 food vendors to assess knowledge, risk perception, and behavioural intentions. In all market samples, microplastics were detected (9-16 particles per cauliflower), while they were absent from supermarket comparisons. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis identified multiple polymer types including polystyrene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate, with additional polymer signatures detected requiring further confirmation. The survey among vendors revealed alarmingly low awareness (6.3%), concentrated exclusively in Villapuram market (χ = 11.81, p = 0.003), with limited health risk perception (30.6%) and low willingness to adopt alternative packaging (18.0%). Factor analysis identified three behavioural dimensions: Environmental Consciousness, Health Concern, and Business Adaptability. It is alarming to note that vendors are not aware of contamination despite measurable contamination, which highlights the need for targeted interventions.