Recent applications of chromatography for determining microplastics and related compounds (bisphenols and phthalate esters) in food
Beatriz Martín-Gómez, J. Stephen Elmore, Silvia Valverde, Ana M. Ares, José Bernal
Abstract
The presence of microplastics in food poses a significant concern due to its potential impact on human health. Numerous studies have focused on spectroscopic techniques to identify and confirm those contaminants in food, but less attention has been paid to chromatographic techniques. Thus, this article provides a comprehensive review of the recent applications of chromatographic techniques in the analysis of microplastics and related compounds such as bisphenols and phthalate esters in food from 2018 to 2022. The study covers and discusses a range of different chromatographic applications (gas and liquid chromatography). Furthermore, this review also explores different sample treatments employed for extracting these compounds from food matrices, while offering a detailed analysis of their principles, advantages, and disadvantages. This review provides readers with an overview and valuable insights into the analytical performance and potential applications of these chromatographic techniques in the analysis of microplastics and related compounds in food.