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Behavior, Characteristics and Sources of Microplastics in Tea
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This review examines microplastic contamination in tea and tea products, covering how microplastics enter tea from packaging materials, processing, and brewing equipment, and summarizing findings on particle abundance and polymer types detected in this widely consumed beverage.
Microplastics have become a widespread environmental concern because they are found in most tested places, including the air we breathe and the food and beverages we consume. To explore the current status of microplastic pollution and future research trends in tea, we reviewed the distribution, abundance, shape, size and sources of microplastics in tea. Microplastics are plastic particles that are 5 mm in diameter or less. Those found in tea and tea gardens originate from agricultural plastic films, plastic packaging of products and tools used in tea production, organic fertilizers, even atmospheric deposition. The microplastics in tea gardens are typically fragments and fibers, mainly composed of polyethylene, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate. The prevention and control of microplastics in tea planting, tea processing and packaging should be strengthened, and reduce the input of products containing microplastics. Future research on microplastic detection methods in tea and determination of safety thresholds should be prioritized to provide a reference for microplastic contamination risk, control, and management in tea.
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This review looks at how microplastics and nanoplastics end up in tea, with plastic teabags being the biggest culprit, releasing over a billion tiny particles per bag when steeped in hot water. Even biodegradable and composite tea bags release significant amounts of plastic particles, raising health concerns given that tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world.
Determination of the Microplastic Particle Release by Tea Bags During Brewing
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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.
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Researchers traced microplastics through every stage of tea production, from the soil where tea plants grow to the final brewed cup, finding the highest contamination during the rolling step of processing. Based on estimated daily tea consumption, the dietary exposure to these particles was considered a low health risk, but the study confirms that tea is a consistent source of microplastic intake for regular drinkers.
Determination of the microplastic particle release by tea bags during brewing
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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.
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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.
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.