4.6 Editorial Material

Editorial overview: Microplastics in food and human exposure to microplastics

Related references

Note: Only part of the references are listed.
Article Food Science & Technology

Pathways of human exposure to microplastics, and estimation of the total burden

Josefa Domenech et al.

Summary: The continuous growth of plastic production results in contamination of environmental niches by plastic waste. Degradation of large plastics leads to the production of microplastics and nanoplastics that spread through various pathways, causing chronic human exposure. Despite ingestion being the most studied exposure route, other contact pathways should not be underestimated. Gaps in the investigation of human exposure to environmental microplastics and a lack of standardized protocols for detection and quantification have been identified.

CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE (2021)

Article Food Science & Technology

Microplastics in drinking water? Present state of knowledge and open questions

Barbara E. Ossmann

Summary: Research studies have shown that both bottled and tap water may contain microscopic plastic pieces, but reported amounts are difficult to compare due to differences in analytical techniques. Care should be taken when making projections on human intake of microplastics via food, as conclusions about major intake pathways are not yet justified. More research and harmonized methods are needed to reliably determine microplastics in drinking water and complex food products.

CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE (2021)

Review Food Science & Technology

Microplastics in edible salt: a literature review focusing on uncertainty related with measured minimum cutoff sizes

Seung-Kyu Kim et al.

Summary: The study found that the concentration and composition of microplastics in different salt brands significantly depended on the measured minimum cutoff size. By using a size-correction method, it was discovered that human intake of microplastics through salt consumption was several orders of magnitude higher than previously estimated. The compilation and comparison of data without correction for measured microplastic size can lead to erroneous estimation of human microplastic intake.

CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE (2021)

Review Food Science & Technology

Microplastics in the atmospheric compartment: a comprehensive review on methods, results on their occurrence and determining factors

Max Beaurepaire et al.

Summary: Although the presence of microplastics in the atmospheric compartment has been confirmed, knowledge about factors affecting their concentrations and transport remains limited. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms involved in the deposition and transportation of microplastics in the atmosphere.

CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE (2021)

Article Food Science & Technology

Micro(nano)plastic contaminations from soils to plants: human food risks

Defu He et al.

Summary: Research has shown that micro(nano)plastics are widely present in agricultural soils, affecting plants negatively and potentially entering the human food chain through the soil-plant system.

CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE (2021)

Article Food Science & Technology

Plastic waste as the potential carriers of pathogens

Jian Meng et al.

Summary: Studies have shown that microorganisms on the surface of plastics may include pathogens, potentially leading to disease transmission. In addition, the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between microorganisms on plastic surfaces may facilitate the persistence of pathogens in the environment.

CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE (2021)

Review Food Science & Technology

Microplastics in shellfish and implications for food safety

Qipei Li et al.

Summary: The presence of microplastics in shellfish species poses a concern for food security and human health. Research shows that ingested microplastics can have adverse effects on shellfish species, potentially posing health risks to humans. Accurate estimation of microplastic intake through shellfish consumption by humans is urgently needed to determine the associated health risks.

CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE (2021)

Review Engineering, Environmental

A Review of Microplastics in Table Salt, Drinking Water, and Air: Direct Human Exposure

Qun Zhang et al.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (2020)