Elimination microplastic particles in brine process water for ensuring the safety of brined cabbage

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25984
• Publication Date: 2024-02-11T00:25:40Z
• Authors: Sora Yoon; Hyeyeon Song; Yun-Mi Dang; Ji-Hyoung Ha
• Keywords: Brine

Various studies have investigated the presence of microplastics (MPs) in food and their potential hazardous impact on human health. The frequency exposure to MPs, particularly through consumption manufactured drinking water, is increasing. However, data regarding MP contamination brine brined cabbage used for production kimchi are limited. Here, we quantified MPs process water during cabbage. Pretreatment by performing a filtration step resulted an MP-removal efficiency 98.7-100%; 3671 ± 174 particles were observed brining that was not filtered. A glass filter, STS Si Filter showed significant efficiency, decreasing number 2,361, 2,775, 3,490, respectively (p < 0.05). Our results provide how filtering can effectively safeguard from e be produced. overcome limitations our laboratory-scale study, additional technologies should future large-scale processes.