Occurrence and health risk assessment of microplastics in beverages and ice packs
Armita Soudavari, Fateme Barari, Ehsan Ehsani, Ziaeddin Bonyadi, Mojtaba Davoudi
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognized as pervasive pollutants in food and beverage products, posing potential risks to human health and ecosystems. The purpose of this research is to investigate the presence and concentration of MPs in various beverages and ice packs through quantitative analysis, and to evaluate the potential health risks associated with human exposure to these contaminants. Samples underwent filtration and organic matter digestion with hydrogen peroxide, followed by analysis using stereomicroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The results indicated mean microplastic (MP) concentrations of 183.1 particles/L in beverages and 178.9 particles/L in ice packs, predominantly composed of polypropylene (PP) (80%) and poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) (20%). Morphologically, fragments comprised 54% of MPs in beverages and 53% in ice packs, while fibers accounted for 46% and 47%, respectively, with particle sizes ranging from 4.54 to 1,490 μm. Transparent MPs dominated (90%), likely due to prevalent packaging materials. The estimated daily intake (EDI) was higher in adults (5.49 particles/kg/day) than in children (2.19 particles/kg/day), with ingestion being the primary route of exposure. Microplastic contamination in beverage samples was assessed using the microplastic contamination factor (MPCF) and the microplastic pollution load index (MPLI). Brand C showed the highest contamination (MPCF: 9.34), while the average MPLI (8.26) indicated ecological risk level 1. This study confirms the widespread presence of microplastics in carbonated soft drinks and ice packs. Consequently, further research is essential to evaluate the long-term health effects and to develop strategies for reducing plastic usage in food packaging.