A focus on microplastics in daily life eateries: identification by FT-IR, AFM, pyrolysis GC/MS and microscopic studies

BACKGROUND: Microplastic contamination of food products has become an emerging environmental and food safety concern due to the extensive use of plastic packaging materials and the potential for human dietary exposure. However, information regarding the occurrence and characterization of MPs in commonly consumed packaged foods remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence, morphology, and polymer identification of microplastics in selected packed food and beverage products using complementary analytical techniques. METHODS: Representative samples, including packed milk, water, lentils, carbonated beverages, and hot tea, were processed following standardized laboratory protocols. Recovered particles were characterized using stereomicroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy (SEM and TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Quality assurance and control measures included procedural blanks, airborne blanks, and instrumental validation. RESULTS: Microscopic examination revealed particles exhibiting diverse sizes, shapes, and surface morphologies consistent with microplastics. FTIR, SEM, TEM and Py-GC/MS analyses indicated the probable presence of commonly used polymers, including polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP), with comparatively greater analytical confidence for PS and PC. Airborne blank analysis suggested minimal laboratory background contamination, whereas no particles were observed in procedural blanks. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that packaged food products may represent one potential source of dietary exposure to microplastics. The study highlights the importance of analytical protocols, comprehensive quality assurance procedures, and continued investigation to improve the detection, characterization, and understanding of microplastic contamination in packed food.