Research Information System
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH, vol.30, pp.1-13, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
Microplastic (MP) contamination in commercially sold spirulina products has not been previously investigated. In this study,
29 spirulina samples in various packaging types were purchased from diferent brands and origins to assess the presence of
MPs. Microplastic analysis was conducted using microscopic and μ-Raman techniques. To ascertain whether the content
is indeed spirulina and make a comparison with the MP level, C-Phycocyanin levels were also analyzed. A total of 251
MP-like particles were observed. Out of the 29 examined packaged spirulina brands, 26 showed potential MPs upon visual
inspection, with 35 particles confrmed as MPs (73% of the analyzed particles). The mean abundance of MPs was estimated
at 13.77±2.45 MPs/100 g dw. Powdered spirulina had a higher but not statistically signifcant MP abundance (17.34±4.22
MPs/100 g dw) compared to capsule/tablet forms (10.43±2.45 MPs/100 g dw). Fragments accounted for 38.3% while fbers constituted 61.7% of the identifed MPs, with sizes ranging from 0.07 to 2.15 mm for fragments and 0.19 to 5.691 mm
for fbers. The color distribution of MPs in spirulina samples was predominantly blue (52.8%), followed by black (25.4%),
white (10.9%), and others (10.9%). Ten synthetic polymers and cellulose were identifed through μ-Raman analysis, with
polypropylene (31.6%) and polystyrene (8.3%) being the most prevalent. The correlation between C-Phycocyanin and MPs
concentrations, was not found statistically signifcant. The abundance and composition of MPs were found to be infuenced
by packaging and processing stages. Identifying potential sources of MPs in spirulina products and evaluating their risks to
human health is crucial.