Microplastics retrieval from commercial rice brands in india: Characterization, dietary exposure, and risk assessment

This study examines microplastics (MPs) for the first time in Indian rice, in terms of their abundance, distribution, chemical composition, and human health exposure. A stereomicroscope, FT-IR spectroscopy, and Raman Spectroscopy were used to measure the physical and chemical properties of extracted MPs. A total of 303 MPs particles were identified, with an average abundance of 30.3 particles per 100g (ranging from 18 to 42 particles). MPs abundance was higher in RS-4 and lower in RS-3. Remarkably, the size range of the method for detecting MPs in our study is 0.05mm-1.00mm. The results showed that four types of MPs were identified, polyethylene and polypropylene were dominant, followed by polyethylene terephthalate and polyamide. MPs are ubiquitous in all rice sample, indicating the ingestion is a potential way for plastics to enter in the human body. Additionally, the EDI average value for men and women is 0.9 and 1.1 particles/kg/day respectively. The overall MPPLI level of rice was 1.220, and the risk level was determined as "moderate". The present study sheds light on the exposure to MPs and provides fundamental data that are crucial for evaluating the potential health risks associated with MPs. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559320/document