# Quantification of Microplastics in Plastic-Bottled Chinese Baijiu Using Micro-FTIR in Imaging Mode
## 4 Discussion  
The occurrence of microplastics in Chinese baijiu samples can be traced back to various sources. Microplastics may be accidentally introduced during production and processing. Moreover, external or physical pressure on the bottles during handling, distribution, and utilization could lead to the discharge of microplastics from plastic packaging and bottle closures [27]. The elevated levels of microplastics detected in Chinese baijiu samples may arise from numerous origins, taking into account the extensive distribution of microplastics in the agricultural setting and throughout production processes. Microplastics may arise from polluted raw materials (e.g., water springs and grains), work attire, production settings, and the separation of plastic packaging materials. Contamination of grains with microplastics can occur during their growth stage, as highlighted by previous studies [28]. Plastic much film, which is frequently employed in agriculture, has been identified as a possible origin of microplastic pollution in agricultural soils [29; 30; 31]. In 2022, [PERSON] and colleagues discovered that rice seedlings are capable of accumulating nano- and microplastics in their roots, which can then be transferred to aerial tissues [32]. This indicates the possible transmission of amassed microplastics up the food chain to higher trophic levels. Water, an indispensable resource for wine production and cleaning, can also contribute considerably to the microplastic content in wine. In addition to water sources and plastic packaging being tainted with microplastics, the likelihood of their incorporation during the filling and sealing of wine bottles is feasible. During the production process, wines can come into contact with air, creating the possibility of airborne microplastic contamination. As such, it is possible that microplastic pollution in plastic-bottled Chinese baijiu originates from microplastic particles introduced during the brewing process of grains. Additionally, the physical stress applied to bottle caps during the decapping process could also contribute to contamination [33]. The existence of microplastics in alcoholic drinks gives rise to worries about likely health hazards, though the exact ramifications are yet to be comprehensively grasped. To appraise the consumption of microplastics through alcohol ingestion, a fusion of empirical data from six brands of alcohol packaged in plastic were utilized. This enabled us to compute the estimated annual intake (EAI) of microplastics. Based on alcohol consumption data in China, the average per capita consumption of pure alcohol per year for residents over the age of 15 is 6.7 L. This corresponds to 12.88 L of common 52% alcohol content. An estimated annual intake of microplastics from drinking liquor is 11,231 MPs per year. Although the impact of microplastic exposure on human health via food and drink has not been extensively researched, experimental animal studies suggest potential adverse effects. Inflammatory responses, gut microbial dysbiosis, impaired hepatic lipid metabolism, and dysfunction of the intestinal barrier [34; 35; 36] have all been linked to exposure to microplastics. Moreover, human tissues can absorb microplastics, where microplastics can induce oxidative stress [37], hinder the immune system [38], and serve as a vector for environmental contaminants [39; 40; 41; 42; 43]; the latter may increase toxic repercussions. To evaluate and handle the hazards related to microplastics found in plastic-bottled baijiu sold in China, it is necessary to locate the origins of microplastics and create policies to limit their spread into the environment. Implementing strict control and reducing the likelihood of external pollution during processing can help to lower the level of microplastics in processed food ingredients and minimize the chemical risk and pollution load linked with microplastics present in plastic-bottled baijiu.