Priya Agarwal, Satya Prakash, Markus Diantoro, Firdaus Mohamad Hamzah, Gaurav Saini
Microplastics (MPs) released from disposables are receiving widespread attention due to direct human exposure during use. The present study investigates the quantification and size classification of MPs released from disposable plastic-coated paper cups commonly used for serving hot beverages. In order to evaluate MPs that can possibly seep into hot beverages in 15 minutes, the study examines five different types of paper cups (A–E) with varying film thicknesses (20–80 microns) and capacities (70–220 ml). Fluorescence microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and liquid particle counter (LPC) were employed to characterize MPs. The findings indicate high-density polyethylene (HDPE) MPs, primarily 2-5 μm with negligible percentage of particles larger than 15 μm. A 100 ml disposable cup may release up to 0.7 million MPs, affected by liquid pH and temperature. The results from the recyclability analysis shows up D as more resistant to moisture and biodegradability due to thicker paper boards than the HDPE film lining. Routine users may ingest 657-876 million MPs annually which could potentially affect human health and the environment. The results of the study are expected to provide insight into the health impacts and will contribute to the knowledge pool of microplastic removal technologies. © 2025 Authors. Published by Engineering Society for Corrosion.
Department of Civil Engineering, Sharda University, Uttar Pradesh, Greater Noida, India; Center for Advanced Material for Renewable Energy, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia; Centre for Defence Foundation Studies, UniversitiPertahananNasional Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Civil Engineering, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Delhi, India
