Unveiling Microplastic Contamination in Indian Commercial Milks

In this investigation, milk samples from both commercial processed sources and local raw cow milk underwent examination for microplastic presence. Results definitively affirmed the prevalence of microplastics in the tested milk, totalling 66 particles among the 9 samples, with an average concentration of 11.11 ± 8.74 particles/L. Microplastic abundance ranged from 3 to 30 particles/L, observed through microscopic analysis, showcasing varied characteristics such as colour (black, blue, red, green, and transparent), shapes (fibres, fragments), and sizes (100-1000 µm). Notably, black fibres predominated. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra played a pivotal role in identification, with specific peaks scrutinized and matched to references. The study revealed that microplastics in milk and pouches are primarily PE and PP, discernible through characteristic peaks like CH2 asymmetric stretching at 2919 cm-1 and CH2 symmetric stretching at 2851 cm-1. Thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis indicated varying thermal responses and decomposition behaviour, with polyethylene decomposing at 335 to 450°C.