Rapid Generation of Microplastics and Plastic-Derived Dissolved Organic Matter from Food Packaging Films under Simulated Aging Conditions

Abstract

In this study, we show that low-density polyethylene films, a prevalent choice for food packaging in everyday life, generated high numbers of microplastics (MPs) and hundreds to thousands of plastic-derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) substances under simulated food preparation and storage conditions. Specifically, the plastic film generated 66–2034 MPs/cm² (size range 10–5000 μm) under simulated aging conditions involving microwave irradiation, heating, steaming, UV irradiation, refrigeration, freezing, and freeze–thaw cycling alongside contact with water, which were 15–453 times that of the control (plastic film immersed in water without aging). We also noticed a substantial release of plastic-derived DOM. Using ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry, we identified 321–1414 analytes with molecular weights ranging from 200 to 800 Da, representing plastic-derived DOM containing C, H, and O. The DOM substances included both degradation products of polyethylene (including oxidized forms of oligomers) and toxic plastic additives. Interestingly, although no apparent oxidation was observed for the plastic film under aging conditions, plastic-derived DOM was more oxidized (average O/C increased by 27–46%) following aging with a higher state of carbon saturation and higher polarity. These findings highlight the future need to assess risks associated with MP and DOM release from plastic wraps.