Microplastics Found In Rice Consumed By Humans

Abstract

Terrestrial ecosystems are considered as one of the main sources of microplastic pollution, especially in agroecosystems. Based on the source of microplastic pollution, agroecosystems tend to be the most plastic-contaminated terrestrial systems outside of landfills and urban spaces. As one of the third major ecosystems on earth, wetlands contribute nearly 40% of ecosystem functions and services (i.e., groundwater recharge, nutrient cycling and biogenic habitats). However, wetlands can represent large reservoirs of microplastics from sewage disposal, surface runoff, and plastic waste. Several studies have looked at plastic pollution in groundwater and warned about the dangers of plastic particles in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Various studies have proven the presence of microplastics in several types of food and beverages consumed by humans. Rice is the staple food for most of the global population and is the highest food yield among cereals. Recently a recent study in Australia found that microplastics are present in rice. Rice samples were dissolved using 10% KOH solution with a volume of 50 ml and allowed to stand for 5 days. Next, the sample was observed under a stereo microscope with a magnification of 45 times. The samples that have been identified are then subjected to an FT-IR test to determine the type of polymer contained in the rice. The results of the identification of microplastics found in rice consumed by humans in daily life, namely microplastics in the form of white fragments and red lines. The FT-IR characterization of rice identified the types of polymers Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Polyethylene (PE). This study identified the presence of microplastics in rice consumed by humans. The results of this study can be used as a reference or basis for the development of microplastic research, especially microplastics found in rice.