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Microplastic contamination in branded and non-branded edible Soybean oil from Bangladesh

Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 2026 Score: 50 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.

Amit Hasan Anik Runa Akter Meem, Amit Hasan Anik Runa Akter Meem, Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Shafi M. Tareq, Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Amit Hasan Anik Shafi M. Tareq, Amit Hasan Anik Amit Hasan Anik Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Md Ashikur Rahman, Amit Hasan Anik Amit Hasan Anik Shafi M. Tareq, Shafi M. Tareq, Shafi M. Tareq, Shafi M. Tareq, Shafi M. Tareq, Shafi M. Tareq, Shafi M. Tareq, Shafi M. Tareq, Shafi M. Tareq, Shafi M. Tareq, Md Ashikur Rahman, Shafi M. Tareq, Shafi M. Tareq, Shafi M. Tareq, Amit Hasan Anik Shafi M. Tareq, Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Shafi M. Tareq, Shafi M. Tareq, Sadia Jahan, Sadia Jahan, Sadia Akter Nishi, Shafi M. Tareq, Sadia Akter Nishi, Shafi M. Tareq, Amit Hasan Anik

Summary

This study provides the first evidence of microplastic contamination in soybean oils sold in Bangladesh, finding an average of nearly 54,000 particles per liter across 60 branded and non-branded samples. Non-branded oils had significantly higher contamination levels than branded products, and the study identified polyurethane and nylon in edible oils for the first time. Health risk assessments estimated that children could be exposed to over 28,000 microplastic particles per year through soybean oil consumption alone.

Polymers

HDPE LDPE PE PET PP PU nylon

This study provides the first evidence from Bangladesh on the occurrence, characteristics, and potential health risks of microplastics (MPs) in both branded and non-branded soybean oils marketed in Bangladesh. A total of 60 randomly collected samples were analyzed using solvent dilution, stereomicroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The mean MP abundance was 53,922 ± 10,510 particles/L, with significantly higher levels in non-branded oils (59,778 ± 11,648 particles/L) compared to branded oils (48,067 ± 4,683 particles/L) (p < 0.05). Fibers predominated (82.50%), with particles sized 101–500 µm being most abundant (35.84%). Transparent MPs were the most frequent (56.29%). FTIR identified six polymer types: Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE), Polyurethane (PU), and nylon, with PU and nylon reported for the first time in edible oils. Principal component analysis indicated broader contamination sources in branded oils, linked to processing and packaging, whereas non-branded oils showed concentrated contamination from coarse particulates. Health risk assessment estimated an Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of 17.65 MPs/day (adults) and 77.21 MPs/day (children), an Estimated Annual Intake (EAI) of 6,441.24 MPs/year (adults) and 28,180.45 MPs/year (children), and Lifetime MP Exposure (LME) of 4.77×10⁵ MPs (adults) and 2.09×10⁶ MPs (children). The MP Contamination Factor (MPCF) and MP Load Index (MPPLI) indicated moderate contamination and low pollution risk, respectively, underscoring stricter monitoring of edible oils in Bangladesh to prevent future contamination possibilities. • First report of microplastics in branded and non-branded soybean oils in Bangladesh. • Mean microplastics: 53,922 ± 10,510 particles/L, higher in non-branded oils. • Fibers (82.5%) dominated, mostly 101–500 µm, with transparent particles prevailing. • Six polymers detected, nylon and polyurethane for the first time in edible oils.

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