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Microplastic Contamination of Packaged Spirulina Products
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A study of 29 commercially sold Spirulina supplement brands found microplastics in nearly all of them, with an average of about 14 particles per 100 grams — higher in powder form than in capsules or tablets. Polypropylene and polystyrene were the most common polymers detected, and the findings suggest that both packaging and processing stages are key contamination routes. This matters because people take Spirulina specifically for health benefits, making inadvertent microplastic ingestion a direct human exposure concern.
Abstract Microplastic (MP) contamination in commercially sold Spirulina products has not been previously investigated. In this study, 29 Spirulinasamples in various packaging types were purchased from different brands and origins to assess the presence of MPs. Microplastic analysis was conducted using microscopic and μ-Raman techniques. A total of 251 MP-like particles were observed, with 48 particles subjected to μ-Raman analysis. Out of the 29 examined packaged Spirulina brands, 26 showed potential MPs upon visual inspection, with 35 particles confirmed as MPs (73% of the analyzed particles). The mean abundance of MPs was estimated at 13.77 ± 2.45 MPs/100 g. Powdered Spirulinahad a higher MP abundance (17.34 ± 4.22 MPs/100 g) compared to capsule/tablet forms (10.43 ± 2.45 MPs/100 g). Fragments accounted for 38.3% while fibers constituted 61.7% of the identified MPs, with sizes ranging from 0.07 to 2.15 mm for fragments and 0.19 to 5.691 mm for fibers. The color distribution of MPs in Spirulina samples was predominantly blue (52.8%), followed by black (25.4%), white (10.9%), and others (10.9%). Ten synthetic polymers and cellulose were identified through micro Raman analysis, with polypropylene (31.6%) and polystyrene (8.3%) being the most prevalent. The abundance and composition of MPs were found to be influenced by packaging and processing stages. Identifying potential sources of MPs in Spirulina products and evaluating their risks to human health is crucial.
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