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Analytical protocol assessment for microplastic and microfiber isolation in milk: a preliminary study of
Serena Santonicola1, Michela Volgare2, Mariacristina Cocca3
1Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso; Institute of Polymer, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Pozzuoli (NA).
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) and microfibers (MFs) are emerging contaminants in food, with milk representing a critical concern due to its importance in human nutrition, particularly for vulnerable populations. This study aimed to optimize an analytical protocol for isolating MPs and MFs in milk samples and to assess contamination levels in raw milk collected at farms. The digestion method employed hydrogen peroxide (30% v/v) at optimized temperatures (40°C for commercial milk and 50°C for raw milk), followed by vacuum filtration. Method accuracy was evaluated through recovery experiments using spiked reference materials, and then the extraction protocol was applied to raw milk samples from mechanical milking. Results revealed average concentrations ranging from 1.3±0.5 to 5.5±5.0 MPs and synthetic MFs per 100 mL, with natural MFs accounting for 47% of total particles detected. Chemical characterization through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy identified polypropylene (41%), polyester (6%), and polyvinyl chloride (6%) as the predominant polymer types, suggesting contamination from milking equipment and textile materials. No significant differences in contamination levels were observed across sampling days or among individual cows, indicating systematic contamination along the production chain. This study provides a validated analytical approach for monitoring MP contamination in milk and establishes baseline data for raw milk contamination at farm level, supporting the development of mitigation strategies along the dairy supply chain.
Insights
Microplastics (MPs) and microfibers (MFs) are found in raw milk, posing a concern for nutrition. This study optimized a method to detect these contaminants, finding levels up to 5.5 particles per 100 mL.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Food Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) and microfibers (MFs) are emerging contaminants in food.
- Milk is a critical source of nutrition, especially for vulnerable populations, making its contamination a significant concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize an analytical protocol for isolating MPs and MFs in milk.
- To assess contamination levels of MPs and MFs in raw milk collected directly from farms.
Main Methods:
- Optimized a digestion method using hydrogen peroxide (30% v/v) at specific temperatures (40°C for commercial, 50°C for raw milk).
- Employed vacuum filtration for particle isolation and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for chemical characterization.
- Validated the extraction protocol through recovery experiments with spiked reference materials.
Main Results:
- Average concentrations of MPs and synthetic MFs ranged from 1.3±0.5 to 5.5±5.0 particles per 100 mL.
- Natural MFs constituted 47% of the total detected particles.
- Polypropylene, polyester, and polyvinyl chloride were identified as the predominant polymer types, indicating potential sources from milking equipment and textiles.
Conclusions:
- A validated analytical method for monitoring MP and MF contamination in milk has been established.
- Baseline data for raw milk contamination at the farm level were determined.
- Findings suggest systematic contamination throughout the dairy production chain, necessitating mitigation strategies.
