Monitoring of microplastics, ions and heavy metals in disposable paper cups from Turkiye marketplaces

Microplastics' ubiquitous exposure and their function of carrying over organic pollutants have sparked concerns about the environment and human health. This study aimed to monitor possible microplastic contents in paper cups from Türkiye marketplaces. To achieve this, 10 different paper cups from different manufacturers were obtained. The microplastic contents were analysed qualitatively; the heavy metal and ion contents were assessed quantitatively, and the results were supported by visual instrumental imaging techniques and analysis methods (SEM, confocal microscopy). According to the results obtained, it was shown that the inner film of disposable cups contains High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and this changes in structure when in contact with hot beverages. Moreover, it was observed that microplastics, heavy metals such as 394.54 ppb Zinc, 58.05 ppb Aluminium as well as ions such as 1.07 ppm Ammonium, 17.49 ppm Chloride migrated when the inner layer of disposable paper cups came into contact with a hot beverage for 15 min. Although paper-based materials are now considered "safer alternatives", they may actually be a cause for concern due to the transfer of microplastics and other contaminants present in the structure of paper-containing products into the consumed product.