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Microplastic contamination in honey from the Asir region, Saudi Arabia: initial findings and human health risk considerations
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This study provides the first assessment of microplastic contamination in honey from Saudi Arabia's Asir region, finding concentrations up to 200 particles per kilogram with PET fibers dominating (92%). While estimated daily intake through honey consumption was low, the polymer hazard index indicated moderate-to-high hazard potential, underscoring honey's value as a bioindicator of environmental plastic pollution.
Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognized as emerging contaminants in natural and food systems, yet data from the Middle East remain scarce. This study provides the first quantitative assessment of MP contamination in honey from the Asir region of Saudi Arabia, a major honey-producing area. Ten honey types were collected between May 2024 and May 2025 and analyzed using stereomicroscopy and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy to determine MP abundance, morphology, size distribution, color, and polymer composition. MP concentrations ranged from below detection to 200 particles kg⁻1, with a mean of 80 ± 60 particles kg⁻1. Fibers dominated (92%), blue was the most frequent color, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the predominant polymer type (92%). Estimated daily intake (EDI) values were low (≤ 0.00453 particles kg⁻1 body weight day⁻1), indicating minimal exposure through honey consumption. However, polymeric hazard index (PHI) values fell within Level III (100–1000), reflecting moderate–high hazard potential due to the dominance of PET and polyethylene. These findings provide the first baseline evidence of MP occurrence in Saudi honey, highlight honey’s role as a bioindicator of terrestrial and atmospheric microplastic pollution, and underline the need for routine monitoring and improved post-harvest handling to mitigate contamination and associated health risks.
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