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Microplastics Contamination on the Surfaces of Fruits and Vegetables: Abundance, Characteristics, and Exposure Assessment
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Researchers quantified and characterised microplastics on the surfaces of tomatoes, apples, grapes, and cucumbers from three markets using stereomicroscopy and SEM-EDX. MPs were present on all produce types, with grapes at one market showing the highest contamination, and fibers being the most common form across samples.
There is limited research that addresses microplastics (MPs) contamination on the surfaces of fruits and vegetables. This study quantifies and characterizes MPs on the surface of tomatoes, apples, grapes, and cucumbers purchased from three markets (A, C, L). MPs were examined by stereomicroscopy, hot needle tests, and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersion Detector (SEM-EDX), and the results were reported by abundance, shape, color, and composition. Grapes in market A had the highest surface MPs concentration with a maximum of 0.891 particles/mm2, while tomatoes in the same market had the lowest, at 0.030 particles/mm2. The majority of MPs (> 85%) were transparent. Tomato, grape, and cucumber surfaces in all markets predominantly contained fragments, while apple surfaces primarily contained fibers. SEM-EDX analysis revealed MPs were primarily composed of carbon and oxygen and provided insights into the surface structures, elemental compositions, and sizes. Exposure assessment revealed the highest estimated daily intake (EDI) occurred in grapes from market A, at 9.24 × 10−5 MPs/kg/day for adults and 4.04 × 10−4 MPs/kg/day for children. Although the values appear low, no regulatory limits exist. Surface contamination remains an overlooked exposure route, emphasizing the need for food safety policies addressing MPs contamination and their effect on human health and the environment.
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