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Qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastics in milk samples
Summary
Researchers analyzed microplastics in milk samples collected from branded products, dairies, and directly from cow sheds. They found microplastic particles present in the milk samples, with fibers being among the identified types. The study raises awareness about a potential dietary exposure pathway for microplastics through commonly consumed dairy products.
BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to determine the amount and type of microplastics in different milk samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sample collection was done from branded, dairy, and directly from the cow shed and was then transferred to a conical flask. Containers were wrapped with aluminum foil to avoid contamination of the samples. A total of 100 mL of 5% sodium chloride solution was added to 200 mL of milk sample, rotated for 2 min, and was kept to undergo density separation for 15 min in a water bath. Whatman filter paper Grade I of pore size 11 µm is used for filtration. The samples were filtered using a vacuum filtration setup with a vacuum pressure of 0.5 bar pressure and stored in clean Petri dishes. These were kept in a hot air oven for drying at 60°C for 3 h and at room temperature for 24 h for complete drying of the filter paper. RESULTS: Fourier transform infrared analyses determined that the polystyrene type of microplastics was higher, showing red, blue, violet, and green colors by microscopic analysis. CONCLUSION: Three categories of milk samples (branded, dairy, and cowshed) were taken and analyzed, the results showed more microplastics in branded milk packets than in dairy and fresh cowshed milk samples which are lower than other food products.