What’s in Our Drinks? First Comparison of Anthropogenic Microparticles Contamination in Industrialized Beverages in Brazil

https://doi.org/10.63923/smhs.2026.132

Abstract

Currently, the presence of anthropogenic microparticles (AMPs) in products intended for human consumption has been increasingly reported in science literature. However the presence of these pollutants in industrialized beverages has not yet been evaluated in many countries. The present study focused on the abundance of AMPs in beverages consumed in Brazil: mineral water, soda, juice (pure and not pure), milk and beer. AMPs were found in all samples analyzed, with average of 101.89 ± 161.34 AMPs/L. The highest average concentration of AMPs was detected in fruit juice, packaged in carton (547.7 ± 427.7 AMPs/L), while the lowest was found in pure fruit juice, packaged in PET bottles (average of 9.1 ± 9.4 AMPs/L). Juice represents the main source of exposure for Brazilian population by the estimated daily intake, followed by water and soda, highlighting a continuous human exposure to these contaminants. This study provides a valuable basis for future assessments of the potential health risks associated with human exposure to AMPs and for the development of public policies aimed at reducing their concentrations in products intended for human consumption. 

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