We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A Preliminary Study of Microplastic Abrasion from the Screw Cap System of Reusable Plastic Bottles by Raman Microspectroscopy
Summary
A Raman microspectroscopy pilot study found that the screw cap system of reusable plastic water bottles releases microplastic particles during repeated opening and closing, identifying bottle caps as a previously overlooked source of microplastic contamination in drinking water.
The packaging material of bottled water is suspected to be a source of microplastics (MP). In this preliminary study, the screw cap system was examined for its MP release potential. Therefore, the concentration of MP (≥10 μm) was determined in reusable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles with polypropylene (PP) caps and polyethylene (PE) seals after opening and closing once and 11 times. The entire contents of the bottles were filtered onto a silicon filter after opening. The inside of the bottles and caps was rinsed with filtered water. The total Si filter area was analyzed by Raman microspectroscopy. After one opening, 131 ± 25 microplastic particles (MPP) per liter were detected. After 11 openings and closings, 242 ± 64 MPP/L were detected. The increase is caused by a significant increase in the number of PP particles from 100 ± 27 to 185 ± 52 MPP/L. The concentration of PE and PET particles did not change significantly. Regardless of polymer type and the number of openings and closings, 80% of the MPP were identified in the smallest size class investigated (10–50 μm). Using a specially developed method, the concentration of MPP was determined before the screw cap system was opened and did not differ from the procedural blank.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Generation of microplastics from the opening and closing of disposable plastic water bottles
Researchers found that the physical act of opening and closing disposable plastic water bottle caps releases microplastic particles into the bottle contents, with particle counts increasing with repeated use and mechanical wear.
Characterization of microplastics in water bottled in different packaging by Raman spectroscopy
Researchers detected and characterized microplastics in bottled water from different packaging types using Raman spectroscopy, confirming that plastic contamination occurs across various commercial water bottle materials.
Occurrence of microplastics in bottled water from Croatia: a Raman spectroscopy approach
Researchers analyzed six brands of bottled water sold in Croatia and found microplastics in all of them, with particles as small as 1 micrometer detected using Raman spectroscopy. The most commonly found plastics were PET and polyethylene, and interestingly, bottles made from virgin PET contained more microplastics than those made from recycled PET. The study adds to growing evidence that bottled water is a significant source of human microplastic exposure.
Detection and formation mechanisms of secondary nanoplastic released from drinking water bottles
Researchers measured nanoplastic release from drinking water bottle caps during simulated opening and closing cycles and detected particles ranging from hundreds of nanometers to about one micrometer. The study found that mechanical stress during normal bottle use degrades the polyethylene sealing material, releasing nanoplastics into the water and altering their properties in ways that complicate detection.
Microplastic release from baby feeding bottles according to different application conditions
Researchers tested microplastic release from eleven baby feeding bottles of varying materials under multiple realistic use conditions including sterilization, shaking at different temperatures, long-term mechanical stress, and repeated cap handling, using Nile Red staining and fluorescence microscopy supplemented by µRaman spectroscopy. Results showed that bottle brand was a stronger predictor of MP release than bottle material, with temperature and mechanical stress also influencing particle release.