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Synthetic particles as contaminants in German beers
Summary
Researchers analyzed 24 brands of German beer and found microplastic contamination — including fibers, fragments, and granules — in all samples, with concentrations varying widely by brand and production batch. The findings add beer to the growing list of commonly consumed food and beverages shown to contain microplastics.
A total of 24 German beer brands was analysed for the contents of microplastic fibres, fragments and granular material. In all cases contamination was found. Counts ranged from 2 to 79 fibres L(-1), from 12 to 109 fragments L(-1) and from 2 to 66 granules L(-1). The results show a high variability between individual samples and samples from different production dates. Possible sources of this contamination with foreign materials are discussed.
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