Synthetic particles as contaminants in German beers

Abstract

A total of 24 German beer brands was analysed for the contents of microplastic fibres, fragments and granular material. In all cases contamination was found. Counts ranged from 2 to 79 fibres L^–1, from 12 to 109 fragments L^–1 and from 2 to 66 granules L^–1. The results show a high variability between individual samples and samples from different production dates. Possible sources of this contamination with foreign materials are discussed.

Keywords:

• beer
• contamination
• synthetic fibre

Acknowledgements

The authors are indebted to Rolf Niedringhaus, University of Oldenburg, for the identification of the insect found in one sample. Helpful comments by two anonymous reviewers are gratefully acknowledged.