Detection and characterisation of microplastics in animal feed

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) the products of plastic breakdown, are entering the environment as a result of plastic abuse, which are of size less than 5mm. Due to their ubiquitous nature, MPs have become a significant environmental concern. One alarming area of MPs contamination is their potential presence in the feed of edible animal species. Growing research suggests that MPs can enter food products and subsequently move to various trophic levels of food chains. Hence, assessing the threat of MPs contamination in animal feed is important for food security and human health. In this investigation, 36 livestock and poultry feed samples were collected from 12 different farms, MPs were detected using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). The Nano particle analyser was used to determine the size distribution, and Pyrolysis-GC/MS was used to quantify MPs. According to the findings, all the feed samples contained a significant amount of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polypropylene (PP), and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and the particle size ranged from 2.02 to 10.7 µm. Present study has given detailed information on the size distribution of MPs in animal feed, which is thought to enable them to pass through membrane barriers. From the findings it is evident that there are high chances of MPs entering animal feed due to the continuous contact of the feed with plastic-based materials. These MPs can accumulate in the tissues of animals and potentially be transferred to humans through the consumption of meat, milk, and other animal-derived products. Subsequently these MPs can finally bio-accumulate in humans and cause serious health issues.