# Quantification of Microplastics in Plastic-Bottled Chinese Baijiu Using Micro-FTIR in Imaging Mode
###### Abstract  
Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent in our environment, being present in the air we breathe and in the food we consume. Due to the widespread use of plastic materials in everyday life, the amount of microplastics being released into the biosphere has become increasingly apparent in recent years. This study provides the first documentation of the presence of microplastics in Chinese bajiu, a popular alcoholic beverage in China, bottled in plastic. It is essential to note the significance of this discovery and potential implications for human health. Analysis of samples collected from the Chinese market showed the presence of microplastics in all six Chinese bajiu brands tested. Concentrations ranged from 172 MPs/500 mL to 944 MPs/500 mL with an average concentration of 436 MPs/500 mL. Cellulose and PA accounted for 70.4% and 17.8% of all microplastics detected, respectively. These were the most commonly detected types. Other types of microplastics were also found, including PET, PP, PVC, and PE. PET accounted for 2.7%, PP for 2.2%, PVC for 1.2%, and PE for 0.1% of all microplastics. The possible sources of contamination include raw materials, ambient air, and equipment and vessels that shed microplastics. Therefore, this study emphasizes the requirement for further research to mitigate the potential hazards associated with human exposure to microplastics. Additionally, it presents significant findings on the presence of microplastics in Chinese bajiu sold in plastic bottles. microplastics; plastic-bottled Chinese bajiu; micro-FTIR; imaging mode; pollution monitoring +
Footnote †: journal: Medical  
of spirits and alcohol worldwide. Research reported in the Lancet [11] indicates that from 1990 to 2017, there was a global increase in per capita consumption of alcohol by adults from 5.9 L (95% CI: 5.8-6.1) to 6.5 L (6.0-6.9). It is projected that this figure will reach 7.6 L (6.5-10.2) by 2030. China's per capita alcohol consumption stands at 10.61 L annually, with men consuming 13.68 L, significantly surpassing the global average of 6.1 L.  
With the growth of the global economy, alcohol consumption has increased, leading to the expansion of the marketplace. Recent research has highlighted the need for thorough evaluation of human exposure to microplastic particles found in various alcoholic beverages, including spirits, wine, and beer. Smaller particles in the micro- or millimeter range have been the main focus of attention. For example, [PERSON] and [PERSON] (2014) [12] found microplastics in German beer, with concentrations ranging from 2 to 79 fibers per liter, from 12 to 109 fragments per liter, and from 2 to 66 granules per liter. [PERSON] et al. (2018) [13] found microplastics in American beer, with levels varying from 0 to 14.3 MPs/L. [PERSON] et al. (2022) [14] identified microplastics in different Mexican beer brands, with concentrations ranging from 0 to 28 \(\pm\) 5.29 MPs/L. Furthermore, [PERSON] et al. (2019) [15] discovered that alcohols had an average microplastic content of 32.27 MPs/L, predominantly in the form of granules, films, foams, filaments, fibers, and fragments. [PERSON] et al. (2020) [16] identified microplastic levels ranging from 2563 to 5857 MPs/L in white wine. The microplastics' size was 0.1 \(\upmu\)m, and their levels were lower than those observed in beer (0.8-6700 \(\upmu\)m). Chinese baijiu is an alcoholic beverage that is well -known in China and is typically derived from grains like wheat, rice, or barley. In recent years, numerous renowned Chinese liquor brands, headed by Moutai, have secured top positions among the world's leading spirits brands and become world leaders in the spirits industry. Nevertheless, there is concern around the use of plastic bottles in the production and disposal of this popular beverage, as it may lead to the introduction of microplastics. Surprisingly, currently, there is a lack of knowledge concerning the extent of the presence of microplastics within plastic-bottled Chinese baijiu.