Microplastics in the commercially available branded milk in Bangladesh: An emerging threat for human health

Microplastics (MPs) are polymer-based particles commonly found in diverse foods that pose serious human health impacts throughout the food chain. Assessment of MPs in different food products is a prime measure to combat MP-related food contamination. Therefore, this study first investigated the identification, characterization, and potential risks of MPs in the commercially available milk brands (19 dry powders and 06 liquid brands) in Bangladesh. The presence of MPs in milk samples was 279.47 ± 134.26 particles/kg and 182.27 ± 55.13 particles/L for powder and liquid milk, respectively, with a significant variety. Study findings displayed miscellaneous colors, fiber shapes (powder=78 %; liquid=81 %), > 0.1 mm sizes (powder=69 %; liquid=65 %), and polyethylene (powder=48 %; liquid=44 %) dominating MPs categories. The…