Assessing the release of microplastics and nanoplastics from plastic containers and reusable food pouches: implications for human health
This study investigated the release of microplastics and nanoplastics from plastic containers and reusable food pouches under different usage scenarios, using DI water and 3% acetic acid as food simulants for aqueous foods and acidic foods. The results indicated that microwave heating caused the highest release of microplastics and nanoplastics into food compared to other usage scenarios, such as refrigeration or room-temperature storage. It was found that some containers could release as many as 4.22 million microplastic and 2.11 billion nanoplastic particles from only one square centimeter of plastic area within 3 min of microwave heating. Refrigeration and room-temperature storage for over six months can also release millions to billions of microplastics and nanoplastics. Additionally, the polyethylene-based food pouch released more particles than polypropylene-based plastic containers. Exposure modeling results suggested that the highest estimated daily intake was 20.3 ng/kg·day for infants drinking microwaved water and 22.1 ng/kg·day for toddlers consuming microwaved dairy products from polypropylene containers. Furthermore, an in vitro study conducted to assess the cell viability showed that the extracted microplastics and nanoplastics released from the plastic container can cause the death of 76.70 and 77.18% of human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T) at 1000 μg/mL concentration after exposure of 48 and 72 h, respectively.
Kazi Albab Hussain, Svetlana Romanova, Ilhami Okur, Dong Zhang, Jesse Kuebler, Xi Huang, Bing Wang, Lucia Fernandez-Ballester, Yongfeng Lu, Mathias Schubert, and Yusong Li, 2023, Environmental Science & Technology, 57 (26), 9782-9792
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c01942
Generation of nano-to-microplastics from polypropylene surfaces via femtosecond laser ablation in liquids with different viscosities
Preparation of polypropylene (PP) nano and microparticles, crucial for investigating the effects of plastics on both human health and the environment, presents a significant and immediate challenge. Utilizing an fs laser system in different liquid mediums such as water, dodecane, and hexadecane, we have successfully generated PP particles with sizes ranging from 1.8 to 4911 nm. This outcome is partly attributed to the constraint on plasma expansion caused by the viscosity of the liquid media. We investigated the areas of material removal and observed a transition from ordered to disordered removal patterns during this process. The formation of filaments and pillars within the material removal cavity, along with the deposition layer at the cavity edge, primarily occurred due to insufficient plasma formation at low laser energy levels. Furthermore, we observed neck-shaped filaments and nano cracks on the deposition surface, which were attributed to the heat effect during laser interaction with the PP substrate. Moreover, we collected distinct nano-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) signals from both the nanoparticle area and the deposition layer, revealing a 2 cm−1 wavenumber difference between the two regions. This discrepancy proved to be a valuable method for distinguishing between the nanoparticle area and the deposition layer.
Haoyu Dong, Xi Huang, Zhipeng Wu, Peizi Li, Jean-François Silvain, Kazi Albab Hussain, Bai Cui, Yusong Li, Yongfeng Lu, 2024, Applied Surface Science, Volume 670, 160661
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2024.160661
Non-sticky superhydrophobicity on polypropylene surfaces achieved via single-step femtosecond laser-induced processing in n-hexadecane liquid
Preparation of polypropylene (PP) nano and microparticles, crucial for investigating the effects of plastics on both human health and the environment, presents a significant and immediate challenge. Utilizing an fs laser system in different liquid mediums such as water, dodecane, and hexadecane, we have successfully generated PP particles with sizes ranging from 1.8 to 4911 nm. This outcome is partly attributed to the constraint on plasma expansion caused by the viscosity of the liquid media. We investigated the areas of material removal and observed a transition from ordered to disordered removal patterns during this process. The formation of filaments and pillars within the material removal cavity, along with the deposition layer at the cavity edge, primarily occurred due to insufficient plasma formation at low laser energy levels. Furthermore, we observed neck-shaped filaments and nano cracks on the deposition surface, which were attributed to the heat effect during laser interaction with the PP substrate. Moreover, we collected distinct nano-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) signals from both the nanoparticle area and the deposition layer, revealing a 2 cm−1 wavenumber difference between the two regions. This discrepancy proved to be a valuable method for distinguishing between the nanoparticle area and the deposition layer.
Haoyu Dong, Xi Huang, Zhipeng Wu, Aofei Mao, Peizi Li, Bai Cui, Jean-François Silvain, Yusong Li, Yongfeng Lu, Optics & Laser Technology, Volume 181, Part B, 2025, 111843
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optlastec.2024.111843
Everyday storage and handling of PET bottled water increase human exposure to nano- and microplastics: Influence of socio-economic factors
This study quantified the release of nanoplastics and microplastics (NMPs) from single-use polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles under real-world storage and handling conditions and examined how socio-economic factors influence exposure behaviors. Eight leading U.S. bottled water brands were tested under high temperatures (60 °C), mechanical shaking (200 rpm), and 15-day temperature cycling to simulate storage in vehicles or outdoors. The highest release occurred under combined heat and shaking, where nanoparticle concentrations increased by 9.29-fold and microparticles also rose significantly. Prolonged freeze - thaw and high temperature cycling also significantly elevated nanoparticle concentrations, though microparticle release was less consistent. Raman spectroscopy identified PET, polyethylene, and polypropylene particles originating from both bottle body and caps. Surface degradation, rather than bulk changes, was the likely driver of particle release, as supported by differential scanning calorimetry showing heating-induced aging without increased release. A statewide survey (n = 1673) in Nebraska revealed that individuals with higher awareness of microplastics and higher education levels were less likely to consume bottled water or store it under heat, underscoring the role of knowledge and behavior in shaping exposure risks.
Kazi Albab Hussain, Haoyu Dong, Alex Tamayo-Aguilar, Seulki Kim, Cesar Augusto Gomez Pena, Silvia Foss, Lucia Fernandez-Ballester, Yongfeng Lu, Yusong Li, Everyday storage and handling of PET bottled water increase human exposure to nano- and microplastics: Influence of socio-economic factors, Water Research, Volume 295, 2026.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2026.125569
