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Microplastics in take-out food: Are we over taking it?
Summary
This study measured microplastic abundance and characteristics in 146 take-out food samples including rice, noodles, bubble tea, and coffee from disposable containers. The mean abundance was 639 microplastics per kilogram, with rice having the highest contamination, and the majority were fragments and fibers consistent with packaging and handling materials.
Take-out food has become increasingly prevalent due to the fast pace of people's life. However, few study has been done on microplastics in take-out food. Contacting with disposable plastic containers, take-out food may be contaminated with microplastics. In the present study, abundance and characteristics of microplastics in total of 146 take-out food samples including solid food samples and beverage samples (bubble tea and coffee) were determined and identified. The mean abundance of microplastics in take-out food was 639 items kg, with the highest value in rice and the lowest value in coffee. Fragments shape, transparent color and sizes ≤ 500 μm were the main characteristics of microplastics in those food, and polyethylene was the main polymer type. Our results indicated that microplastics in take-out food was influenced by food categories and cooking methods, as well as food packaging materials. Approximately 170-638 items of microplastics may be consumed by people who order take-out food 1-2 times weekly.