Recent scientific advances are opening up new avenues of research. Thanks to the James Webb Telescope, microplastics and their relationship with Earth are now also being closely studied. The University of Birmingham, together with Binghamton University, has published a study in The Independent showing that microplastics are present in everyday beverages such as tea, coffee, energy drinks, juices, and soft drinks. However, in addition to these beverages, disposable cups must also be taken into account. Mohamed Abdallah discusses how environmental pollution is present in our daily lives and how it affects human health. Keep reading to learn more.
Familiar habit hides an unexpected load
A familiar daily habit may carry a non-expected load, and it hides in plain perspective. Recent lab investigation compare common drinks and rank their particle levels with care. The results are explicit, yet unsettling, and they modify the notion that we have related to routine choices. From the first sip to the last, the findings tracks what ends up in the cup. As you read, note the exact microplastic concentration figures and how temperature, packaging, and serving choices affect.
They presented an accurate rundown that stayed consistent across brands:
- Hot tea measured 49–81 MPs per liter, while hot coffee reached 29–57
- Chilled drinks trailed: iced tea registered 24–38, iced coffee 31–43
- Fruit juice landed at 19–41, energy drinks at 14–36, and soft drinks at 13–21
The pattern stayed stable across repeated exams. Disposable cup material appears central to the spike. The team explained cup composition likely drives the higher counts in hot samples. Heat, movement, and lid friction compound the effect. With hot water, cup layers can release tiny fragments. This aids explain the reason of why the warmest drinks usually rise to the top.
The way microplastic concentration climbs in hot beverages
Heat speeds up the release of particles from specific polymers. When liquid is hot, diffusion speeds up, and small fragments break free. Stirring and sipping through lids add more friction. These easy steps have outsized effects on particle levels. Temperature, time, and turbulence work all along.
In addition, cup design is taken into account. Laminated layers are able to delaminate at stress points near rims. By the time a lid rubs the rim, fragments can enter the drink. A sleeve or tight fit may reduce flex, yet it does not remove the root cause. The material itself keeps the main contributor when conditions line up.
Brew method can nudge effects. Longer steep times, higher water temperatures, and vigorous swirling are able to push counts higher. The same tea leaves in a durable mug usual show fewer particles. Rules that are alike are also apply to coffee. A hotter brew in a disposable cup tends to carry more particles than cooler, quick pours in inert vessels.
Normal exposure beyond water alone
The authors caution against focusing only on water. They are worried about that counting particles in tap or bottled water misses the bigger picture. Due to the fact that people drink several and diverse beverages, totals add up fast. This broader lens helps estimate daily intake with more exacteness. It also fits real life.
They explain that assessing only water likely underestimates risk. When hot drinks are usual, the intake can increase. That is the main the reason of why they call for wider sampling across drink types. They also investigate temperature and cup type together, because the mix changes results. This approach gives a truer exposure perspective.
Practical steps follow from these discernment. Choose a durable mug for hot tea or coffee when is able. Pour at slightly lower temperatures when taste permits. Avoid vigorous stirring against the rim and skip unnecessary lid contact. Small moves, applied daily, are able to lower microplastic concentration in routine sips.
Numbers, sources, and what stands behind them
According to the investigators, the dataset spans 155 drinks in total. They examined sodas, juices, energy drinks, and both hot and cold coffee and tea. Hot tea showed 49–81 MPs per liter and hot coffee 29–57. Iced tea measured 24–38, iced coffee 31–43. Fruit juice reached 19–41, energy drinks 14–36, and soft drinks 13–21.
The work is attributed to the University of Binghamton in the U.K., as first reported by The Independent. At the same time, one lead author is named as University of Birmingham Professor Mohamed Abdallah. He noted that results were broader than expected. The team found particles in all hot and cold drinks tested.
