We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Migration testing of microplastics from selected water and food containers by Raman microscopy
Summary
Researchers tested microplastic migration from common food and water containers made of polypropylene, PET, and polystyrene under FDA-guided conditions. The study found that hundreds of thousands of microplastic particles per liter can be released, with higher temperatures, fatty food simulants, and direct microwave heating significantly increasing particle release, suggesting that everyday food container use may be a notable source of microplastic exposure.
The migration of microplastics (MPs) from plastic food packaging has received increasing attention. Despite numerous studies quantifying MPs released from food packaging, there is lack of systematic investigation on migration of MPs from food packages under US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s guidance for food contact substances. Herein, we aimed to determine the quantity and size distribution of MPs migrating from water and food plastic containers following US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s guidance using Raman microscopy. Six commonly used water and food containers made of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS) were treated using distilled water and food stimulants (10% and 50% ethanol) under various conditions. A range of 23,702 to 490,330 particles per liter MPs with 77%- 92% smaller than 5 µm were detected, in which the PP food container exhibited the highest release of MPs when incubated with 50% ethanol at 130 °C for 15 min (equivalent to heating fatty food in a microwave). The temperature and food types were key attributes for elevating MP migration in general. Further comparison observed direct microwave (534,109 particles per liter) heating led to a significantly higher release of MPs compared to the FDA-suggested method (155,572 particles per liter). Part of MPs (12-63%) failed to be identified by Raman microscopy due to small particle size. Our estimation suggests that individuals might inhale up to 4511 MPs per kg per day. This research offers vital insights into MP migration from food and water containers, aiding in the development of relevant guidelines and facilitating MPs' risk assessment and management.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Evaluating microplastic emission from takeaway containers: A Micro-Raman approach across diverse exposure scenarios
Researchers tested how many microplastics are released from common takeaway food containers made of polypropylene, polystyrene, and PET when exposed to different temperatures and acidic conditions. PET and polystyrene containers released microplastics under all conditions, with significantly more released at high temperatures (100 degrees Celsius). Notably, polypropylene containers released no detectable microplastics, suggesting they may be a safer choice for hot food and beverages.
Quantification of microplastics released from plastic food containers during rinsing and migration by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Researchers measured microplastics released from plastic food containers during normal rinsing and when exposed to different food types and temperatures. All containers released microplastics matching their material, and high-fat foods, extreme temperatures, and longer exposure times increased the amount released. This study confirms that plastic food packaging is an important and direct source of microplastic exposure for people through their everyday meals.
Micro (nano) Plastics Released from Plastic Food Containers
Researchers found that plastic food containers release micro- and nanoplastics into food under both hot-water and microwave heating, with the quantity increasing with repeated reuse, raising concerns about dietary exposure from everyday kitchen plastics.
Evidence of Sub‐Micrometric Plastic Release When Heating Food Containers Based on Light Scattering Measurements
Researchers used light scattering measurements to detect sub-micrometric plastic particles released from food containers when heated. They found evidence that food-grade containers release tiny plastic fragments during normal heating conditions, at sizes below what most conventional detection methods can capture. The study suggests that current estimates of microplastic exposure from food packaging may undercount the actual amount released.
Analysis of microplastics released from plastic take-out food containers based on thermal properties and morphology study
Researchers found that plastic take-out food containers made of polypropylene, polyethylene, and expanded polystyrene release microplastics into hot water, with over 96% of particles smaller than 10 micrometers and concentrations varying by material type and temperature.