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Bovine milk and microplastics: Revealing the invisible with advanced microscopy
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Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in bovine milk sold in Ecuador, analyzing 35 samples across different milk types and packaging formats. They found that raw, unpackaged milk had the highest microplastic concentrations (241 particles per liter), significantly more than processed milk, suggesting that industrial processing may partially reduce contamination and packaging provides a protective effect. The study highlights the need for improved sanitary controls during milk production to reduce microplastic contamination.
This study assessed the presence of microplastics (MP) in bovine milk marketed in Ecuador, considering milk type, packaging material, and the analytical methodology employed. A total of 35 samples of raw, whole, and semi-skimmed milk packaged in Tetra Pak, plastic pouches, or sold unpackaged were analyzed. Samples were subjected to direct observation (DO), density separation with supersaturated saline solution (SSS), filtration (FSSS), and chemical digestion with 10% NaOH (CD). Raw, unpackaged milk exhibited the highest MP concentrations (241.05 ± 66.18 MP L⁻¹), significantly exceeding those found in semi-skimmed (115.14 ± 24.21 MP L⁻¹) and whole milk (65.83 ± 14.19 MP L⁻¹), suggesting that industrial processing may partially reduce contamination. Unpackaged milk also showed higher MP levels compared to milk in Tetra Pak (92.38 ± 20.56 MP L⁻¹) and plastic pouches (88.60 ± 19.66 MP L⁻¹), indicating a protective effect of packaging. Among analytical methods, DO yielded the highest apparent MP concentrations (390.86 ± 48.48 MP L⁻¹), while SSS, SSSF, and CD reported lower values. CD, corroborated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), was found to be the most sensitive and reliable technique due to reduced interference. In conclusion, raw and unpackaged milk contained significantly higher levels of MPs, potentially due to factors such as contaminated feed and deteriorated milking equipment. These findings highlight the need to reinforce sanitary control during production, improve processing and packaging practices, and standardize analytical methodologies to ensure dairy safety and protect public health.
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Researchers tested milk from plastic bottles, packets, and cartons, finding that microplastics increased the longer milk was stored. High-fat milk released more microplastics than low-fat milk, and raw unprocessed milk had none, pointing to packaging and processing as the source. Estimated daily intake was higher for children than adults.
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