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Microplastics in Food: A Review on Analytical Methods and Challenges

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Listed:
  • Jung-Hwan Kwon

    (Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea)

  • Jin-Woo Kim

    (Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea)

  • Thanh Dat Pham

    (Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea)

  • Abhrajyoti Tarafdar

    (Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea)

  • Soonki Hong

    (FITI Testing & Research Institute, Cheongju 28116, Korea)

  • Sa-Ho Chun

    (FITI Testing & Research Institute, Cheongju 28116, Korea)

  • Sang-Hwa Lee

    (FITI Testing & Research Institute, Cheongju 28116, Korea)

  • Da-Young Kang

    (FITI Testing & Research Institute, Cheongju 28116, Korea)

  • Ju-Yang Kim

    (Korea Institute of Analytical Science and Technology, Seoul 04790, Korea)

  • Su-Bin Kim

    (Korea Institute of Analytical Science and Technology, Seoul 04790, Korea)

  • Jaehak Jung

    (Korea Institute of Analytical Science and Technology, Seoul 04790, Korea)

Abstract

Human exposure to microplastics contained in food has become a significant concern owing to the increasing accumulation of microplastics in the environment. In this paper, we summarize the presence of microplastics in food and the analytical methods used for isolation and identification of microplastics. Although a large number of studies on seafood such as fish and shellfish exist, estimating the overall human exposure to microplastics via food consumption is difficult owing to the lack of studies on other food items. Analytical methods still need to be optimized for appropriate recovery of microplastics in various food matrices, rendering a quantitative comparison of different studies challenging. In addition, microplastics could be added or removed from ingredients during processing or cooking. Thus, research on processed food is crucial to estimate the contribution of food to overall human microplastic consumption and to mitigate this exposure in the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Jung-Hwan Kwon & Jin-Woo Kim & Thanh Dat Pham & Abhrajyoti Tarafdar & Soonki Hong & Sa-Ho Chun & Sang-Hwa Lee & Da-Young Kang & Ju-Yang Kim & Su-Bin Kim & Jaehak Jung, 2020. "Microplastics in Food: A Review on Analytical Methods and Challenges," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-23, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:18:p:6710-:d:413759
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Cheryl Qian Ying Yong & Suresh Valiyaveettil & Bor Luen Tang, 2020. "Toxicity of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Mammalian Systems," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-24, February.
    2. Lewis T. O. Cheung & Ching Yee Lui & Lincoln Fok, 2018. "Microplastic Contamination of Wild and Captive Flathead Grey Mullet ( Mugil cephalus )," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-11, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Carmen Rubio-Armendáriz & Samuel Alejandro-Vega & Soraya Paz-Montelongo & Ángel J. Gutiérrez-Fernández & Conrado J. Carrascosa-Iruzubieta & Arturo Hardisson-de la Torre, 2022. "Microplastics as Emerging Food Contaminants: A Challenge for Food Safety," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-14, January.
    2. Leonardo Alberghini & Alessandro Truant & Serena Santonicola & Giampaolo Colavita & Valerio Giaccone, 2022. "Microplastics in Fish and Fishery Products and Risks for Human Health: A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-17, December.
    3. Sílvia D. Martinho & Virgínia Cruz Fernandes & Sónia A. Figueiredo & Cristina Delerue-Matos, 2022. "Microplastic Pollution Focused on Sources, Distribution, Contaminant Interactions, Analytical Methods, and Wastewater Removal Strategies: A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-24, May.

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