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Contamination of table salts from Turkey with microplastics Part A Chemistry, analysis, control, exposure & risk assessment
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This study analyzed 16 brands of table salt from Turkish markets and found microplastics in most samples, with concentration varying by salt type and source. The findings add to growing global evidence that microplastics have entered the human food chain through commercial sea and lake salt.
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a problem that affects all aquatic, atmospheric and terrestial environments in the world. In this study, we looked into whether MPs in seas and lakes reach consumers through table salt. For this purpose, we obtained 16 brands of table salts from the Turkish market and determined their MPs content with microscopic and Raman spectroscopic examination. According to our results, the MP particle content was 16–84 item/kg in sea salt, 8–102 item/kg in lake salt and 9–16 item/kg in rock salt. The most common plastic polymers were polyethylene (22.9%) and polypropylene (19.2%). When the amounts of MPs and the amount of salt consumed by Turkish consumers per year are considered together, if they consume sea salt, lake salt or rock salt, they consume 249–302, 203–247 or 64–78 items per year, respectively. This is the first time this concerning level of MPs content in table salts in the Turkish market has been reported.
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Contamination of table salts from Turkey with microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Sixteen brands of table salt sold in Turkish markets — including sea, lake, and rock salts — were found to contain microplastics, with the highest concentrations in sea salt. The study adds to global evidence of microplastic contamination in commercially sold salt and indicates widespread human dietary exposure through this common food ingredient.
Microplastic pollution threat in table salt that an abiotic sea product
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This Turkish study investigates microplastic contamination in commercially sold table salt, finding plastic particles in sea salt products. Table salt is consumed daily, and microplastic contamination in this product represents a potential route for regular human dietary exposure.
Microplastic contamination of salt intended for human consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis
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This systematic review and meta-analysis examined microplastic contamination in table salt from around the world. It found that microplastics are present in most salt products intended for human consumption, with sea salt generally containing more particles than rock or lake salt, representing a consistent source of dietary microplastic exposure.
Microplastic contamination and risk assessment in table salts: Turkey
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Researchers analyzed 36 table salt samples from Turkey and found microplastics in all of them, with an average of 39 particles per kilogram across rock, lake, and sea salts. They estimated that an adult consuming table salt over a 70-year lifetime would ingest over 10,000 microplastic particles from salt alone. The risk assessment indicated a medium level of concern, suggesting that protective measures should be taken at salt production sources.
Microplastics in Table Salts: Sources, Abundance, Types, and Consumption– A Review
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This global review synthesizes research on microplastic contamination in table salts, examining sources, abundance, particle types, and estimated human consumption, finding that sea salts tend to have higher microplastic loads than rock or lake salts.
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