Microplastic contamination in fermented beverages: A case study of kvass

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly found in beverages, raising public health concerns.
• Assessing dietary exposure to MPs is crucial for understanding potential health risks.
• Kvass, a fermented beverage, has not yet been investigated for MPs contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify and characterize microplastics in kvass beverages.
• To assess the potential health risks associated with MPs in kvass.
• To establish a baseline for MPs contamination in kvass.

Main Methods:

• Microplastic analysis in kvass using micro-Fourier-transform infrared (μ-FTIR) spectroscopy.
• Quantification of MPs abundance, size distribution, and morphology.
• Identification of polymer types and estimation of pollution indices (MPCF, MPLI).

Main Results:

• Average MPs abundance in kvass was 81.53 ± 43.24 items/L.
• Predominant MPs size ranged from 50 to 100 μm, primarily in fragment forms.
• Six different polymer types were identified, indicating moderate MPs pollution.

Conclusions:

• This is the first study to report MPs contamination in kvass beverages.
• The findings indicate moderate microplastic pollution in kvass.
• Further research is needed to fully assess the human health implications of MPs in kvass.