Global plastic production has increased significantly over the past few decades and, currently, it ranks third in the global municipal solid waste. The packaging wastes from take-out food delivery, such as plastic containers made up of polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS), are among the highest contributor to plastic accumulation in the environment. These plastics undergo fragmentation and weathering and are transformed into smaller pieces. Presently, an increase in microplastics (diameter of less than 5 mm) in the environment has raised concerns in the global scientific community and environmentalists.
The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) in the ocean, soil, glaciers, deserts, and most importantly, in foods and drinking water has raised concern. MPs have also been detected in human cancerous lungs, blood, feces as well as the placenta. These findings suggest that when an individual is exposed to MPs through diet or inhalation, they are subjected to endangered health.
Several studies have indicated the presence of MPs in seafood, especially in bivalves. There is a scarcity of data regarding its presence in everyday food, such as rice and meat. Fast-paced lifestyles and rapid economic development have popularized take-out food substantially.
