Temperature and ethanol synergistically enhance microplastic release from disposable cups: mechanistic insights and health risk assessment of typical plastics

Abstract

Disposable plastic cups used to hold beverages can release microplastics (MPs) that pose a potential risk to human health. In this study, the release of MPs from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS) cups was systematically investigated under simulated real-world conditions by varying the temperature (20, 40, and 70 °C), contact time (30, 60, and 120 min), and food simulants (4% acetic acid, 10% ethanol, 50% ethanol). The experimental results demonstrate that the highest temperature (70 °C) and longest exposure (120 min) caused a significant increase in MPs release, with PS cups showing the highest level (1281.33 ± 27.23 particles/L), particularly in 50% ethanol food simulant. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) revealed the formation of surface cracks and protuberances after thermal treatment, while attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) indicates that the most pronounced chemical alterations in PS. Based on typical consumer behavior, we estimate that adults could ingest up to 6916–66612 MPs particles annually from disposable cups. These results indicating the interplay between cup material, usage conditions, and MPs release mechanisms suggest avoiding prolonged storage of hot liquids in PS containers to mitigate health risks.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Disposable plastic cups / Microplastics / Food simulants / Human health

Highlight

	● Real-use migration study of PP, PET, and PS cups under varied temperatures, times, and simulants.
	● PS cups released the most MPs, peaking in 50% ethanol at 70 °C for 120 min.
	● Over 60% of MPs were < 50 μm, suggesting higher cellular uptake risk.
	● Annual MPs intake may reach 66612 particles; limiting PS use under heat or alcohol is advised.

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