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Assessment of anthropogenic particles content in commercial beverages
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Researchers tested 73 commercially available beverages in different containers for the presence of microplastics and other anthropogenic particles. The study found contamination across all beverage types, with beer showing the highest particle counts and water the lowest, suggesting that the type of packaging and production process both influence how many particles end up in the drinks we consume.
Microplastic (MPs) pollution is a current global concern that is affecting all environmental compartments and food sources. In this work, anthropogenic particles occurrence (MPs and natural and synthetic cellulosic particles), have been determined in 73 beverages packed in different containers. Overall, 1521 anthropogenic particles were found, being the lowest occurrence in water samples (7.2 ± 10.1 items·L-1) while beer had the highest (95.5 ± 91.8 items·L-1). Colourless/white particles were the most detected followed by blue and red colours. The highest mean size was 783 ± 715 μm in soft drinks. Cellulosic, both natural and semisynthetic particles, were the composition mostly found but regarding plastic polymers, it was polyester. Phenoxy resin particles from the can coatings were also identified in all metal containers which indicates that leaching from the packaging may be happening. The total estimated daily intake were 0.077 and 0.159 items·kg-1 body weight (b.w.)·day-1 for children and adult population, respectively.
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Researchers reviewed studies from around the world examining microplastics in beverages including water, beer, soft drinks, and other drinks. They found microplastics were present in virtually all beverage types tested, with concentrations ranging widely and particles originating from water sources, packaging materials, and processing surfaces. The findings raise concerns about ongoing low-level human exposure through everyday drinks.
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Researchers tested 50 packaged nonalcoholic beverages in Hong Kong and found microplastics in every single one, with an estimated annual intake of about 6,200 microplastic particles per person from beverages alone. The contamination came from both the packaging materials and airborne particles during manufacturing, showing that everyday drinks are a meaningful source of human microplastic exposure.
Synthetic particles as contaminants in German beers
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Researchers analyzed 24 brands of German beer and found microplastic contamination — including fibers, fragments, and granules — in all samples, with concentrations varying widely by brand and production batch. The findings add beer to the growing list of commonly consumed food and beverages shown to contain microplastics.
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Researchers tested beer, bottled mineral water, and tea from around the world and found microplastics in every sample without exception. Beer contained 20 to 80 microplastic particles per milliliter, mineral water about 10 per milliliter, and tea leaves carried 200 to 500 per gram, with different plastic types identified in each beverage. The findings highlight that everyday drinks are a routine source of microplastic exposure for consumers.
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