Methods for the identification and quantification of microplastics in foods (a review)

The adverse effects of microplastics (MP) found in food on the health have recently been recognized as a new source of human health risks. In order to evaluate and minimize them, it is necessary to evaluate the exposure using sensitive and specific methods. The aim of the research was the substantiation of methodological approaches to the identification and quantification of microplastics in food based on the analysis of literature data. Material and methods. Literature selection was carried out using the PubMed international reference database for the period from 2014 to 2023 using keywords corresponding to the context of the research theme. A total of 159 sources were selected, of which 94 original and review papers were included in the review according to the criteria of their relevance to the problem under consideration, scientific reliability and completeness. Results. At present, various approaches have been developed that make it possible to isolate MPs from complex bioorganic matrices (such as, for example, seafood), classify them by chemical composition, and quantify their content through the mass or number of particles. Among the most developed physic-chemical methods for the analysis of MPs are Fourier transform IR spectrometry and Raman microspectrometry, pyrolysis gas chromatography - mass spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis, as well as approaches based on liquid chromatography, microfluorimetry, analytical scanning and transmission electron microscopy and others. Unsolved problems in the field of MP research in food include the high laboriousness and low performance of the identification technologies used, the lack of reference and standard samples of MP, the complexity of the equipment used, which makes it difficult to use it for routine hygienic control. The issue of the influence of MP aging degree on the results of its qualitative and quantitative determination has not been sufficiently studied. Some hopes in the field of development of rapid analysis of MTs are pinned on the use of aptamers. Conclusion. Existing analytical methods make it possible to determine the content of MPs in environmental objects, but further improvement and validation of these methods is required in relation to the assessment of the content of MPs in various types of food.