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Microplastics research in Nepal: Present scenario and current gaps in knowledge.

Heliyon·2024

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Updated: Jun 18, 2025

Separation and Identification of Conventional Microplastics from Farmland Soils

Separation and Identification of Conventional Microplastics from Farmland Soils

Published on: March 21, 2025

First-ever study uncovers microplastic contamination in Nepalese table salt.

Kishor Kumar Maharjan^1,2, Ram Prasad Dhungel³

¹Department of Environmental Science, Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.

|July 31, 2024

Summary

Microplastic contamination is present in 100% of Nepalese table salt, with an average of 381 microplastics per kilogram. This leads to an estimated annual ingestion of 1853 microplastics per person in Nepal.

Keywords:

Commercial salt Exposure Nepal Plastics Polymer

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Last Updated: Jun 18, 2025

Separation and Identification of Conventional Microplastics from Farmland Soils

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Food Safety
Analytical Chemistry

Background:

Microplastic contamination is a global concern, yet data on Nepalese table salt is scarce.
Table salt is a ubiquitous food ingredient, making it a potential vector for microplastic ingestion.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate and quantify microplastic contamination in table salt samples from Nepal.
To characterize the types, shapes, and polymer composition of microplastics found in Nepalese table salt.
To estimate the annual microplastic intake from salt consumption for the Nepalese population.

Main Methods:

Salt samples were collected from seven provincial zones across Nepal.
Microplastics were extracted using Fenton's reagent digestion and visualized using digital and stereomicroscopes.
Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed for polymer identification.

Main Results:

100% of analyzed table salt samples (Nepalese and Indian brands) contained microplastics.
Microplastic abundance ranged from 80 to 1040 particles/kg, with an average of 381 ± 219 particles/kg.
Fibers (56%) were the predominant shape, and polyethylene and polypropylene were the identified polymers.
Estimated annual ingestion of microplastics from salt consumption was 1853 particles per person.

Conclusions:

Nepalese table salt is significantly contaminated with microplastics, posing a public health concern.
Manufacturing processes, rather than storage or packaging, appear to be the primary source of contamination.
Improvements in raw material sourcing and salt purification methods are crucial to mitigate microplastic pollution.