Evaluación de la presencia de microplásticos en 2 cervezas nacionales y 2 extranjeras

Abstract

Recent studies on multiple toxicity indicate risks to human health by ingesting plastic particles, therefore, it is necessary to know more about the presence and abundance of synthetic particles in human consumables. In the present investigation, a total of 48 beer samples were analyzed, divided into 4 brands: 2 German and 2 Ecuadorian. In all cases contamination by microplastics was evident. The presence of microplastics in Pilsen type beers, the density of microplastic particles (MPP/L) per beer brand, lot number, according to their morphology and according to their color was studied. In addition, the length of the microplastic particles present in each beer brand was studied, and what are the types of microplastics found in all the brands tested. The results showed significant statistical differences between beer brands, however, no significant differences were found between batch numbers. The possible sources of this contamination with microplastic particles are discussed. The counts varied from 10 to 300 fibers/L, with a general average of 94,96 fibers/L. In addition, 8 to 225 fragments/L were found, with a general average of 73,13 fragments/L. Of the total particles analyzed according to their color, the most common was transparent/whitish, followed by brown. The average length for the microplastic particles studied was 0,45 mm, and the most abundant polymer type was polyethylene in all beer samples analyzed.