Exposure Characterization of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Foods

The volume of plastics produced globally every year has steadily increased over the last few decades and shows no signs of tapering. As of 2017, an estimated total of 8.3 billion tons of resins and fibers had been produced globally with the most common use being in packaging. In the last few years, scientists have recognized the emergence of micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) particles in food as in the waters, air, soil, and biota. Once ingested through food, MNPs can sequester in blood and other tissues. This project will characterize food and packaging plastics through micronization, artificial weathering, simulated gastrointestinal digestion, and analysis of their physical and chemical properties. Based on their properties, a framework will be crafted to assess human adsorption and absorption of micro- and nanoplastics from food and packaging. The project will also address food packaging as a potential source of micro/nanoplastics and optimal methods for sampling, analysis and reporting.