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Migration testing of microplastics from selected water and food containers by Raman microscopy
Xin Guo1, Haochen Dai1, Lili He2
1Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 102 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA 01003, United States.
Abstract:
The migration of microplastics (MPs) from plastic food packaging has received increasing attention. Despite numerous studies quantifying MPs released from food packaging, there is lack of systematic investigation on migration of MPs from food packages under US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s guidance for food contact substances. Herein, we aimed to determine the quantity and size distribution of MPs migrating from water and food plastic containers following US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s guidance using Raman microscopy. Six commonly used water and food containers made of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS) were treated using distilled water and food stimulants (10% and 50% ethanol) under various conditions. A range of 23,702 to 490,330 particles per liter MPs with 77%- 92% smaller than 5 µm were detected, in which the PP food container exhibited the highest release of MPs when incubated with 50% ethanol at 130 °C for 15 min (equivalent to heating fatty food in a microwave). The temperature and food types were key attributes for elevating MP migration in general. Further comparison observed direct microwave (534,109 particles per liter) heating led to a significantly higher release of MPs compared to the FDA-suggested method (155,572 particles per liter). Part of MPs (12-63%) failed to be identified by Raman microscopy due to small particle size. Our estimation suggests that individuals might inhale up to 4511 MPs per kg per day. This research offers vital insights into MP migration from food and water containers, aiding in the development of relevant guidelines and facilitating MPs' risk assessment and management.
Insights
Microplastic (MP) migration from food containers is significant, with conditions like high temperatures and certain food types increasing release. Direct microwave heating releases more MPs than FDA-suggested methods.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Food Safety
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) contamination from food packaging is a growing concern.
- Existing studies often lack systematic investigation under regulatory guidelines like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and characterize MPs migrating from plastic food and water containers following FDA guidelines.
- To assess the impact of food simulants, temperature, and heating methods on MP migration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Raman microscopy to analyze MPs from six common plastic containers (PP, PET, PS).
- Applied distilled water and food simulants (10% and 50% ethanol) under various conditions, including direct microwave heating.
- Compared MP release using FDA-suggested methods versus direct microwave heating.
Main Results:
- Detected 23,702 to 490,330 particles/L of MPs, with 77%-92% smaller than 5 µm.
- Polypropylene (PP) containers showed highest MP release under high heat (130°C) with 50% ethanol.
- Direct microwave heating yielded significantly more MPs (534,109 particles/L) than FDA-suggested methods (155,572 particles/L).
- MP identification was challenging for particles <5 µm.
Conclusions:
- Temperature and food type are critical factors influencing MP migration.
- Current FDA guidelines may underestimate MP release compared to real-world heating scenarios.
- Estimated daily MP inhalation could reach 4511 MPs/kg, highlighting the need for risk assessment and guideline refinement.
