We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Analysis of microplastics in food, mineral water and in mineral water process lines by FTIR and Raman microspectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed standardised sampling protocols and analytical methods using FTIR and Raman microspectroscopy to detect microplastic particles below 10 µm in beverages, soluble foods, and mineral water production lines. The study traced sources and entry pathways of microplastics into food products and identified preventive measures applicable to industrial processing environments.
The analysis of microplastic particles (MP) is, especially in the range below 10 µm, a complex multi-step process that includes sampling, sample treatment, measurement and data analysis. There is a need for valid methods for the detection of MP in structurally simple foods (beverages, soluble foods, rinsed food surfaces) and along their production processes. We developed such methods with the aim of determining the sources and entry paths of MP and deriving preventive measures. General sampling protocols (SOP) were developed as guidelines for sampling in order to avoid contamination during analysis. For the quantitative analysis of MP, spectroscopic reference databases were generated by measuring packaging materials and producing reference MP particles. Furthermore, SOPs for sample preparation for mineral and drinking water and for water-soluble foods were created to ensure an extensive contamination-free processing. The material analysis was carried out using FTIR and Raman microspectroscopy for the detection of MP in the range from 5 µm to 1 mm. A machine learning software was developed for the evaluation of the sample spectra measured using FTIR, which significantly accelerates this process. The GEPARD software was developed for the Raman evaluation. This presentation focusses, after an introduction in the methods and SOPs which were used, on the results of the analysis of mineral water in disposable and reusable glass and plastic bottles. The bottled end products showed different levels of contamination. In order to identify the sources of the MP contaminations, the entire process line (source water, washing water, filling line, production environment) was sampled. The evaluation along such a production line is shown in the figure. Almost all sources of contamination could be identified. The results show that the presented methods is well suited to determine MP for the analysis of the entry paths of MP in food. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/558972/document
More Papers Like This
Analysis of microplastics in food, mineral water and in mineral water process lines by FTIR and Raman microspectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed validated FTIR and Raman microspectroscopy methods for detecting microplastic particles below 10 micrometers in food, mineral water, and along mineral water production lines, creating standardized sampling protocols to identify contamination sources and entry points during food processing.
Analysis of microplastics in drinking water and other clean water samples with micro-Raman and micro-infrared spectroscopy: minimum requirements and best practice guidelines
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compiled best-practice guidelines for detecting and quantifying microplastics in drinking water using micro-Raman and micro-infrared spectroscopy, establishing minimum requirements for sample preparation, measurement parameters, and data reporting to improve comparability across studies.
Microplastics in different water samples (seawater, freshwater, and wastewater): Methodology approach for characterization using micro-FTIR spectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a standardized methodology for detecting and characterizing small microplastics (10-500 micrometers) in different water types using micro-FTIR spectroscopy. The study tested various sample preparation approaches for seawater, freshwater, and wastewater, establishing reliable protocols for rinsing, digestion, and microplastic collection that can be used to assess treatment plant removal efficiency.
Identifying microplastic contamination in drinking water: analysis and evaluation using spectroscopic methods
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines spectroscopic methods for identifying microplastics in drinking water, exploring how factors like particle size, shape, and environmental exposure affect detection accuracy using techniques such as FTIR and Raman spectroscopy.
Methods for identifying microplastics in food systems
AI summary Read the abstract
Identifying microplastics in food is technically challenging because food matrices are complex and particles can be very small. This review covers the main methods scientists use — from simple visual inspection to sophisticated techniques like Raman spectroscopy and infrared imaging — and evaluates their strengths and limitations in the context of food safety. The authors conclude that Raman microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy are currently the gold-standard approaches for detecting and confirming the chemical identity of microplastics in food and agricultural products.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.