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Mechanical stress-induced microplastic release from bottle caps: Insights on material properties and their impact on cellular toxicity

npj Emerging Contaminants 2026
Udeshna Changmai, SK Sahana, Unnayana Gogoi, Eshan Abbas, Prangan Duarah, Kundalika Goswami, Koushik Dutta, Manash R. Das, Rituparna Duarah, Mayurakhi Bhuyan, Tridip Phukan

Summary

This study quantifies microplastic particles shed from plastic bottle caps when subjected to repeated mechanical stress, such as opening and closing. Experiments show that physical abrasion releases measurable quantities of microplastic fragments and particles, which can contaminate the beverage contents or the surrounding environment. The results suggest that bottle caps represent an overlooked point-of-use source of microplastic exposure for consumers.

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