Summary:
The total microplastic content ranged from 46-115 particles per 200g in Gujarat salt samples, according to the researchers.
In Tamil Nadu’s case, it ranged from 23-101 particles per 200g.
Since this is emerging research, no reference limits are available to work out the permissible levels.
.
As pollution has increased due to the large use of single-use plastic, salts have been containing more plastic than ever before.
Recently, three universities of Tamil Nadu along with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa, studied salt samples from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
Both states are major producers of edible salt and depend on the sea to make it.
Microplastics are tiny particles, as minute as 100-200 micrometres, which shred away from single-use or general plastic items.
These items include packaging material, cutlery, paints used for roads, polyester textiles, beads, fishing nets, tools, and cosmetics.
The total microplastic content ranged from 46-115 particles per 200g in Gujarat salt samples, according to the researchers.
In Tamil Nadu’s case, it ranged from 23-101 particles per 200g.
Since this is emerging research, no reference limits are available to work out the permissible levels.
The most common microplastics identified in edible salt were polyethylene, polyester, and polyvinyl chloride.
Assistant professor A Vidyasakar of the geology department of Tamil Nadu’s Periyar University said, “The sources of the microplastic fibers may be processing and packaging units of salt-producing companies.” Airborne particles could be another source, he said.
According to Vidyasakar, 74.3% of the total microplastics found in the study were red-and-blue fibrous materials.
“We want the states that produce and package salt to recognize microplastics as a problem,” Vidyasakar said.