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First evidence of microplastic contamination in ready-to-use packaged food ice cubes
V C Shruti1, Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy2, Fermín Pérez-Guevara3
1Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Del. Coyoacán, C.P. 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
Abstract:
Concern over microplastics has grown tremendously, and they have been found in all environmental compartments; yet, much remains unknown regarding their impact on a variety of human-consuming food products. Here, we contribute to ongoing research by screening the 15 most popular commercial brands of packaged food ice cubes in Mexico City for microplastics. Microplastics were detected in 100% of the samples evaluated, with concentrations ranging from 19 ± 4 to 178 ± 78 L-1. There was a significant difference in the microplastic concentration across samples. The mean microplastic concentration was 79 ± 47 L-1, and the main types were polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, tygon polymer, sealing ring gardena 2824 large, polyamide 6, and cellophane. Moreover, microplastics that are fibrous (87%), non-colored (54%), and less than 300 μm in size (63%), were found to be more prevalent. The SEM-EDX analysis showed heterogeneous structural and morphological characteristics of microplastics, as well as traces of Si, S, Ti, Ca, Al, and Na. Furthermore, we estimate that ice cube consumption in Mexico City can result in the inadvertent ingestion of 4.9 × 102 ± 3.4 × 102-1 × 104 ± 7.2 × 103 microplastics annually. The findings of the study revealed that microplastics were identified in ice cubes and can be conveyed to humans, stressing the need of managing and eradicating such contamination from our food.
Insights
Microplastics are present in 100% of packaged ice cubes in Mexico City, with fibrous, non-colored particles under 300 μm being most common. This study highlights potential human ingestion of microplastics through ice consumption.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Food Safety
- Materials Science
Background:
- Growing global concern regarding microplastic contamination across environmental compartments.
- Limited understanding of microplastic presence and impact in human-consumed food products.
- Previous research has identified microplastics in various environmental media, but food products require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen popular commercial packaged food ice cubes in Mexico City for microplastic contamination.
- To quantify microplastic concentrations and identify types, sizes, and morphologies.
- To estimate the annual microplastic ingestion from ice cube consumption in Mexico City.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 15 commercial brands of packaged food ice cubes from Mexico City.
- Microscopic examination and SEM-EDX analysis to detect and characterize microplastics.
- Calculation of microplastic concentrations (L⁻¹) and estimation of annual human ingestion.
Main Results:
- Microplastics were detected in 100% of the evaluated ice cube samples.
- Concentrations ranged from 19 ± 4 to 178 ± 78 L⁻¹, with a mean of 79 ± 47 L⁻¹.
- Predominant microplastic types included polypropylene and polyethylene; fibrous, non-colored particles < 300 μm were most prevalent. SEM-EDX revealed traces of Si, S, Ti, Ca, Al, and Na.
Conclusions:
- Packaged ice cubes in Mexico City are a significant source of microplastic contamination.
- Human ingestion of microplastics via ice cubes is substantial, estimated between 4.9 × 10² and 1 × 10⁴ particles annually.
- Urgent need for strategies to manage and eliminate microplastic contamination in food products like ice cubes.
