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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis

Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis

Published on: December 16, 2016

Microplastics in Spanish Table Salt.

Maria E Iñiguez¹, Juan A Conesa², Andres Fullana¹

¹Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Alicante, P.O. Box 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain.

Scientific Reports

|August 19, 2017

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Microplastic contamination is prevalent in table salt, with levels ranging from 50-280 particles per kilogram. Polyethylene-terephthalate (PET) is the most common polymer found, indicating widespread environmental microplastic presence.

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Analytical Chemistry
Materials Science

Background:

Marine debris, particularly microplastics, poses a significant global environmental challenge.
Microplastics have been detected in sea salt, raising concerns about contamination of seafood products.
Previous studies reported highly variable microplastic levels in salt, lacking clear explanations for discrepancies.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify and quantify microplastic contamination in commercial table salt samples from Spain.
To investigate potential causes for the wide range of microplastic concentrations reported in prior research.
To determine the types of polymers present in contaminated salt samples.

Main Methods:

Analysis of 21 commercial table salt samples (sea and well salts) from Spain.
Evaluation of microplastic content and polymer identification using established analytical techniques.
Review and critique of experimental procedures from previous microplastic-in-salt studies.

Main Results:

Microplastic content in analyzed salt samples ranged from 50 to 280 microparticles per kilogram.
Polyethylene-terephthalate (PET) was the most frequently identified polymer, followed by polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE).
No significant differences in microplastic content were observed between different salt types or before/after packing.

Conclusions:

Commercial table salt is contaminated with microplastics, with consistent levels found across various types.
The prevalence of microplastics in salt suggests a background presence in the wider environment, irrespective of specific sources.
Standardized experimental methods are crucial for accurate and comparable microplastic quantification in salt.