We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Tracing source of microplastics contamination in CTC tea: Effect of processing stages and human health risk assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers traced microplastic contamination through each stage of CTC tea manufacturing and found that processing equipment made of plastic, including conveyor belts and extraction machines, contributes particles throughout production. Contamination was highest during the fermentation stage and included polyethylene, polyacrylates, PVC, and nylon fragments. While the estimated health risks from consuming the tea fell within current safety limits, the study provides the first baseline data on how tea processing itself introduces microplastics.
Globally, tea is a widely consumed beverage and is reported to be contaminated with microplastics (MPs), especially in tea bags. However, data is lacking in CTC ('crush, tear, curl') tea with a possible source appointment. Present study investigated abundance of MPs at different stages of CTC tea manufacturing process. MPs (10-82.4 μm) contamination was found highest at fermentation stage (1.1 particles g) and lowest at drying stage (0.4 particles g), with prevalence of polyethylene, polyacrylates, polyvinyl chloride, and nylon. Plucking, cutting & rolling stages were associated with a higher abundance of fibrous and fragmented MPs. Further, tea processing equipment made of plastics, viz., withering trough, conveyor belt, fiber extractor machine, etc., contributes to MPs contamination in CTC tea. EDI for CTC tea and brewed tea were 0.03-0.2 and 0.05-0.28 particles kg BW day, respectively. Estimated average rate of MPs ingested (ARMI) was 6.19-73.9 μg person year. Non-cancer (HQ) and cancer risk (ILCR) indices ranged from 1.53 × 10 to 5.44 × 10 and 1.45 × 10 to 2.59 × 10, respectively, which are within safety limits. The study generates baseline data for MPs contamination in processing stages of CTC tea and health risk associated with it.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in tea from planting to the final tea product: Traceability, characteristics and dietary exposure risk analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Behavior, Characteristics and Sources of Microplastics in Tea
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Microplastic contamination in some herbal teas and human risk assessment: Türkiye
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in four types of packaged herbal teas from five Turkish brands. They found microplastic fibers in all tea samples tested, with the highest particle counts in linden tea and teas brewed for five minutes, composed primarily of ethylene vinyl acetate, PET, and polyacrylonitrile polymers. The study classified all tested brands and tea types as having very high levels of microplastic contamination based on contamination factor analysis.
Determination of the microplastic particle release by tea bags during brewing
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Label-free detection and characterization of secondary microplastics from tea bags
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used advanced microscopy techniques to detect microplastics released from tea bags into boiling water. The study identified several types of plastic materials, including polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and nylon, in micrometer-sized particles across 11 different tea bag samples. These findings suggest that brewing tea in plastic-containing bags may be a direct route for microplastic ingestion.
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.