Abstract
The study investigated microplastic (MP) contamination in refined wheat flour (branded and non-branded) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, amidst the escalating global concerns over the presence of microplastics in the food chain. Samples of flour were systematically collected from various locations within the designated study area. Microplastics were identified and characterized through visual and chemical analysis using a stereomicroscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The investigation revealed an average of 4578 ± 1984 (mean ± SD) microplastic particles per kilogram of flour. Branded flours contained an average of 2747 ± 654 microplastic particles per kilogram, while non-branded flours showed a statistically significant higher average of 6409 ± 625 microplastic particles per kilogram elucidating a concerning disparity between the two categories. The morphological analysis identified 5 distinct morphotypes of microplastics along with the possibility of further degradation. Notably, fibers were the most prevalent, followed by fragments, beads, foams, and films. Transparent and large microplastics (>600 µm) were also found to be dominant. Following an FT-IR analysis, 12 different types of polymers were identified: ABS, EVA, HDPE, LDPE, Latex, Nitrile, Nylon, PC, PETE, PMMA, PP, and PS. Moreover, an assessment of the health hazards associated with exposure to microplastics indicated that an average individual in Dhaka city ingests 246,375 microplastic particles annually through flour consumption, highlighting a substantial health risk to consumers. This investigation offers novel insights into microplastic contamination in refined wheat flour and encourages continued research endeavors aimed at mitigating microplastic pollution throughout the food supply chain to safeguard public health and the environment.
Published Version
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