We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Prevalence of microplastics in commercially sold soft drinks and human risk assessment
Summary
Researchers tested ten brands of soft drinks sold in Turkey and found microplastics in every single one, with 80% of samples showing high contamination levels. On average, consumers are exposed to about nine microplastic particles per liter of soft drink, likely originating from the bottling process and packaging materials. This study adds soft drinks to the growing list of everyday beverages through which people regularly consume microplastics.
Due to the increasing global plastic production and use in recent years, the amount of microplastic (MP) accumulating in the environment has also increased. This microplastic pollution potential has been documented mostly in studies of the sea or seafood. The presence of microplastics in terrestrial foods has therefore attracted less attention, despite the potential for future major environmental risks. Some of these researches are related to bottled water, tap water, honey, table salt, milk, and soft drinks. However, the presence of microplastics in soft drinks has not yet been evaluated in the European continent, including Türkiye. Hence, the current study focused on the presence and distribution of microplastics in ten soft drink brands in Türkiye since the water utilized in the bottling process of soft drinks originates from different water supply sources. Using FTIR stereoscopy and stereomicroscope examination, MPs were detected in all of these brands. According to the microplastic contamination factor (MPCF) classification, 80% of the soft drink samples indicated a high level of contamination with microplastics. The study's findings showed that each liter of consumed soft drinks exposes people to about nine microplastic particles, which is a moderate dose when compared to exposure levels in earlier research. It has been determined that bottle-production processes and the substrates used for food production may be the main sources of these microplastics. The chemical components of these microplastic polymers were polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE), and fibers were the dominant shape. Compared to adults, children were subjected to higher microplastic loads. The study's preliminary data on MP contamination of soft drinks may be useful for further evaluating the risks exposure to microplastics poses to human health.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Prevalence and characteristics of microplastic contamination in soft drinks and potential consumer exposure
Researchers tested nine popular soft drink brands in Thailand and found microplastics in every single one, regardless of whether the packaging was plastic, aluminum, or glass. Concentrations ranged from 2 to 39 particles per liter, with most particles being tiny fragments between 50 and 100 micrometers. Based on average soft drink consumption, a person in Thailand could swallow between 81 and 1,609 microplastic particles per year just from soft drinks alone.
Microplastic contamination in some beverages marketed in türkiye: Characteristics, dietary exposure and risk assessment
Researchers tested 47 different beverages sold in Turkey and found microplastics in about one in five samples, with cold tea showing the highest contamination levels. While the estimated daily intake from these beverages was considered a low physical health risk, the study confirms that packaged drinks are a routine source of microplastic exposure for consumers.
Microplastics contamination in popular soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages marketed in Iran: Quantity and characteristics
Researchers found microplastics in 80–90% of popular soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages sold in Iran, detecting an average of about 22 particles per liter, with plastic fragments from PET and polyethylene packaging as the dominant types. These findings highlight that plastic beverage containers are a likely source of human microplastic ingestion and call for tighter industry monitoring.
Microplastics Contamination in Nonalcoholic Beverages from the Italian Market
Researchers tested nonalcoholic beverages including soft drinks and cold tea from Italian supermarkets for microplastic contamination. They found microplastics, predominantly fibers, in most samples, averaging about 9 particles per liter. The study confirms that beverage consumption is a meaningful pathway for human microplastic ingestion, adding to growing evidence of widespread plastic contamination in food and drink products.
Identification, Quantification, and Presence of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Beverages Around the World
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.