New analyzes reveal the extent of plastic contamination in farm animals. According to the researchers, the high levels of microplastics observed offer valuable insight into how they move through the food chain.
Plastic particles detected in the vast majority of samples
Last March, scientists at the Free University of Amsterdam detected for the first time plastic fragments in the human bloodstream, using a new type of mass spectrometry. For this new pilot study, the team applied the same methodology to samples of food pellets, shredded food, cow and pig blood, milk and meat products.
Ordered by the Plastic Soup Foundationthis extensive analysis revealed that 80% of them contained detectable amounts of at least one type of plastic. This type of particle was present in 100% of the samples of granules, crushed food and blood samples studied, as well as in 72 and 75% of the milk and meat samples respectively.
« We see this pilot study as a starting point “, say the Dutch researchers. “ Like much other research in this field, such findings raise questions about the scale of the problem of plastic pollution and its potential impact on human health.. »
Further research
While much remains to be done, previous work has shown that microplastics could have toxic effects on cells and change their shape. Last year, experiments carried out on mice suggested that these tiny fragments could cross the blood-brain barrier and increase the risk of high cholesterol and blood diseases.
« Our work indicates that animals exposed to plastic particles are likely to absorb at least some “, explains Heather Leslie, co-author of the new study. ” These results highlight the importance of further exploring this phenomenon and the associated risks. Producing plastic-free feed would be an obvious way to reduce livestock exposure to these types of pollutants. »