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Analysis of microplastics released from plastic take-out food containers based on thermal properties and morphology study
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This study measured microplastics released from three types of plastic take-out food containers — polypropylene, polyethylene, and expanded polystyrene — when filled with hot water. Expanded polystyrene released the most particles by far (up to 2.8 million per liter), and over 96% of particles from all containers were smaller than 10 micrometers, small enough to be absorbed into the gut.
Plastic take-out food containers may release microplastics (MPs) into food and pose a potential risk to food safety and human health. Here, after being subjected to hot water treatment, MPs released from three types of plastic food containers (polypropylene, PP; polyethylene, PE; expanded polystyrene, EPS) were identified by micro-Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the size of released MPs ranged from 0.8–38 μm and over 96% MPs were smaller than 10 μm. Various MPs concentrations were found from the three types of containers, that is, 1.90 × 104, 1.01 × 105, and 2.82 × 106 particles/L on average from PP, PE, and EPS, respectively. Moreover, based on thermal and morphology analysis, we discovered that both relaxations of the polymer chains in the rubbery state and defects caused by processing techniques might contribute to the release of MPs. Thus, such release can be reduced by increasing the thermal stability of the materials and mitigating the defects generated during production.
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Analysis of microplastics released from plastic take-out food containers based on thermal properties and morphology study
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that plastic take-out food containers made of polypropylene, polyethylene, and expanded polystyrene release microplastics into hot water, with over 96% of particles smaller than 10 micrometers and concentrations varying by material type and temperature.
Microplastics in polystyrene-made food containers from China: abundance, shape, size, and human intake
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Researchers analyzed polystyrene food containers sold in China for microplastic contamination, examining the abundance, shape, and size of particles released. The study found that these containers shed microplastics during normal use, with hot liquids and acidic foods increasing the amount of plastic released. The results raise concerns about daily microplastic exposure from common food packaging.
Microplastic Release from Single-Use Plastic Beverage Cups
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This study measured microplastic release from four types of single-use beverage cups and found that hotter liquids and longer contact times caused significantly more particles to be released into the water. Expanded polystyrene cups released the most microplastics, meaning that drinking hot beverages from disposable plastic cups is a direct source of microplastic ingestion for people.
Microplastics in Widely Used Polypropylene-Made Food Containers
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Researchers found that all 210 polypropylene takeout food containers sampled from seven Chinese cities contained microplastics, with 3 to 43 particles per container, suggesting widespread human exposure to microplastics through commonly used food packaging.
Release of Nanoplastics from Polypropylene Food Containers into Hot and Cold Water
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Researchers tested polypropylene food storage containers and found they release both nanoplastics and microplastics into water, with significantly higher amounts released when hot water at 90 degrees Celsius was used compared to room temperature. The nanoplastics ranged from 122 to 397 nanometers in size and were chemically confirmed as polypropylene. The study provides direct evidence of nanoplastic exposure from everyday food container use and highlights the importance of including these tiny particles in health risk assessments.
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