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Characterization of microplastics in skim-milk powders
E Visentin1, C L Manuelian2, G Niero1
1Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy.
Abstract:
The diffusion of microplastics in the food supply chain is prompting public concern as their impact on human health is still largely unknown. The aim of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize microplastics in skim-milk powder samples (n = 16) from different European countries (n = 8) through Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode analysis. The present study highlights that the use of hot alkaline digestion has enabled the efficacious identification of microplastics in skim-milk powders used for cheesemaking across European countries. The adopted protocol allowed detection of 29 different types of polymeric matrices for a total of 536 plastic particles. The most abundant microplastics were polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate. Microplastics were found in skim-milk powders in 3 different shapes (fiber, sphere, and irregular fragments) and 6 different colors (black, blue, brown, fuchsia, green, and gray). Results demonstrate the presence of microplastics in all skim-milk powder samples, suggesting a general contamination. Results of the present study will help to evaluate the impact of microplastics intake on human health.
Insights
Microplastics contaminate skim-milk powder across Europe. This study identified 536 plastic particles, including polypropylene and polyethylene, in all samples, highlighting widespread food supply chain contamination.
Area of Science:
- Food science and environmental health
- Polymer analysis and contamination studies
Background:
- Microplastic contamination in the food supply chain raises public health concerns.
- The human health impact of microplastics remains largely unknown.
- Skim-milk powder is a potential vehicle for microplastic ingestion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To qualitatively and quantitatively characterize microplastics in skim-milk powder samples.
- To investigate microplastic presence in skim-milk powder from various European countries.
- To establish a reliable method for microplastic detection in dairy products.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 16 skim-milk powder samples from 8 European countries.
- Utilized Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode.
- Employed hot alkaline digestion for effective microplastic extraction and identification.
Main Results:
- Detected a total of 536 plastic particles across 29 different polymer types.
- Polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate were the most abundant polymers.
- Microplastics were found in various shapes (fiber, sphere, irregular) and colors (black, blue, brown, fuchsia, green, gray).
Conclusions:
- All analyzed skim-milk powder samples contained microplastics, indicating general contamination.
- The study provides crucial data on microplastic types, shapes, and colors in a key food ingredient.
- Findings will aid in assessing the impact of microplastic intake on human health.
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