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Updated: Jul 25, 2025
Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis
Published on: December 16, 2016
Microplastics in marine-derived traditional Chinese medicine, potential threat to patients
Ziying Zhu1, Han Gong1, Xiaocui Wang1
1College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) contamination is widely found in marine organisms. Marine traditional Chinese medicines (MTCM) are derived from marine organisms, but there are no relevant reports on detecting MPs in MTCM. This study selected samples of MTCM from two representative pharmaceutical companies, Brand F and Brand Z, including mother-of-pearl, stone cassia, seaweed, pumice, oyster, kombu, calcined Concha Arcae, cuttlebone, and clam shell to detect and analyze the presence of MPs. The abundance, type, color, size, and composition of MPs were investigated. Varying degrees of MPs contamination was present in all MTCM. The abundance of MPs in different MTCM ranged from 0.07 to 9.53 items/g. Their type, color, and size are similar, mainly fiber, transparent and size <2 mm. The composition of MPs is primarily made of cotton, cellulose and rayon. This study contributes to the first record of MPs in MTCM. Our results show that microplastic pollution is common in MTCM, which may cause potential risk to patients consuming MTCM.
Insights
Microplastic (MP) contamination is prevalent in marine traditional Chinese medicines (MTCM). This study found MPs in all tested MTCM samples, indicating a potential risk to consumers.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Pharmacology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) contamination is a global environmental issue, frequently detected in marine ecosystems and organisms.
- Marine traditional Chinese medicines (MTCM) are derived from marine organisms, yet the presence of MPs within them remains uninvestigated.
- Assessing MP contamination in MTCM is crucial for understanding potential health risks associated with their consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and quantify microplastic (MP) contamination in various marine traditional Chinese medicines (MTCM).
- To analyze the characteristics of MPs found in MTCM, including abundance, type, color, size, and composition.
- To establish the first record of MPs in MTCM and evaluate potential risks.
Main Methods:
- Samples of ten different MTCM products from two pharmaceutical brands were collected.
- Microplastics (MPs) were extracted and analyzed for abundance, type, color, size, and chemical composition.
- Statistical analysis was performed to characterize MP contamination levels and features.
Main Results:
- Microplastic (MP) contamination was detected in all examined marine traditional Chinese medicine (MTCM) samples.
- MP abundance varied across MTCM, ranging from 0.07 to 9.53 items/g.
- Predominant MP characteristics included fibers, transparent appearance, sizes less than 2 mm, and compositions of cotton, cellulose, and rayon.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of microplastic (MP) contamination in marine traditional Chinese medicines (MTCM).
- The widespread presence of MPs in MTCM suggests a common issue in their sourcing or processing.
- Microplastic pollution in MTCM poses a potential health risk to patients relying on these traditional remedies.
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