We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Pouring hot water through drip bags releases thousands of microplastics into coffee
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that pouring hot water through drip coffee bags releases thousands of microplastic particles into the beverage, with polyester and polypropylene bags releasing significantly more particles than other materials, raising concerns about daily microplastic ingestion from food packaging.
Microplastics (MPs) released from food packaging have attracted widespread attention. In this study, drip bags made from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), and rayon selected from eight brands were employed to investigate MPs releasing. Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy (μ-FTIR), optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to study the effects of brewing time and temperature on the release of MPs. The results showed that a single plastic coffee bag steeped at 95 ℃ for 5 min could release more than 10,000 MPs particles into a cup of coffee. Irregular blocks, long strips, and size range of 10-500 μm MPs were easier to be released, implying that consuming 3-4 cups of coffee will lead to an intake of 50 thousand MPs particles daily. Rayon was the primary type of released MPs, accounting for over 80% of the total amount of the released MPs. Our results are hoped to provide evaluation standards of material selection for processing coffee bags.
More Papers Like This
Determination of the microplastic particle release by tea bags during brewing
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured the release of microplastic particles from tea bags during brewing, finding that plastic particles leach into the hot beverage. This study highlights an often-overlooked source of microplastic ingestion through everyday food and drink preparation.
Tea bags as hidden source of micro- and nanoplastics: a systematic review for food safety.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers systematically reviewed 19 studies on microplastic and nanoplastic release from tea bags during brewing, finding that plastic-containing bags—particularly polypropylene and nylon—release billions of particles per bag at typical brewing temperatures, with release rates shaped by material type, water temperature, brew time, and agitation, though standardized detection methods remain lacking.
Determination of the Microplastic Particle Release by Tea Bags During Brewing
AI summary Read the abstract
This study developed a method for detecting and quantifying microscopic plastic particles released from commercial tea bags during brewing. The research found that steeping tea bags releases substantial numbers of microplastic particles into the beverage, raising concerns about microplastic exposure through a widely consumed drink.
Microplastics and other harmful substances released from disposable paper cups into hot water
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested how hot water interacts with the plastic lining inside disposable paper cups and found that the cups released thousands of microplastic particles into the liquid within minutes of exposure. The polyethylene film coating degraded when exposed to hot water at typical beverage temperatures, releasing both microplastics and other potentially harmful chemical compounds. The study suggests that drinking hot beverages from disposable paper cups may be a significant source of human microplastic ingestion.
Release of microplastics from disposable cups in daily use
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested 90 batches of commercial disposable cups, including plastic and paper varieties, to measure how many microplastics they release into beverages during normal use. They found that all cup types released microplastics, with the amount increasing with higher liquid temperatures and longer contact times. The study highlights disposable cups as a direct and previously underappreciated source of microplastic exposure for consumers.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.