Sources, distribution, and incipient threats of polymeric microplastic released from food storage plastic materials

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants originating from various sources, including food packaging.
• Plastic waste generation is a significant global issue, with major contributions from countries like China and the USA.
• MPs have been detected in diverse environmental matrices and food products, raising concerns about their impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the sources, distribution, quantity, and threats of microplastics released from food packaging.
• To assess the impact of microplastics on human health, biodiversity, water bodies, and the atmosphere.
• To review and interpret existing literature on microplastics and nanoplastics.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review of 152 articles on microplastics (0.1–5000 µm) and nanoplastics (1–100 nm).
• Analysis and interpretation of data regarding MP quantities in various environmental samples and food products.
• Critical review of the potential health effects associated with microplastic ingestion.

Main Results:

• Significant quantities of MPs were found in salt, bivalves, fish, and water bodies across different countries, with notable variations.
• China and the USA are major contributors to global plastic waste.
• Microplastics can enter the human body and are associated with neurotoxic, biotoxic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic effects due to polymer presence.

Conclusions:

• Food containers are a significant source of microplastic release into the environment and food chain.
• Microplastic contamination poses severe threats to environmental health and human well-being.
• Transitioning to alternative packaging materials such as glass, bioplastics, paper, cotton, wood, and natural materials is crucial to mitigate MP consumption.