Study Finds More Microplastics in Glass Bottles Than Plastic Bottles
A recent study conducted by France’s food safety agency has revealed that drinks sold in glass bottles, including water, soda, beer, and wine, contain higher levels of microplastics compared to those in plastic bottles. The researchers detected tiny pieces of plastic in various beverages, shedding light on the widespread presence of microplastics in our environment and food chain.
While the direct impact of these microplastics on human health is still uncertain, there is growing concern and interest in understanding their potential risks. Guillaume Duflos, a research director at the French food safety agency ANSES, explained that the study aimed to investigate the quantity of microplastics in different types of drinks and the influence of different container materials.
The study found an average of around 100 microplastic particles per litre in glass bottles of soft drinks, lemonade, iced tea, and beer, significantly higher than the levels detected in plastic bottles or metal cans. Surprisingly, the researchers observed that the microplastics found in glass bottles were likely from the paint on the bottle caps, which had tiny scratches that released particles onto the surface.
Interestingly, water, both flat and sparkling, had relatively low levels of microplastics in all containers, while wine showed minimal contamination even in glass bottles with caps. The reasons for these variations remain unclear and require further investigation.
Soft drinks, lemonade, and beer had higher concentrations of microplastics, with around 30 to 60 particles per litre. Despite the lack of established toxic thresholds for microplastics, ANSES suggested that drink manufacturers could reduce contamination by improving bottle cap cleaning methods.
The agency tested a cleaning technique involving air blowing, water rinsing, and alcohol sterilization, which effectively reduced microplastic contamination by 60%. This study, published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, highlights the need for continued research and proactive measures to address microplastic pollution in beverages.
© Agence France-Presse
