Microplastic Testing in Drinking Water and Salt

Microplastics have emerged as a major global contaminant affecting drinking water, table salt, marine ecosystems, and the food chain. These tiny plastic particles (typically <5 mm) originate from packaging waste, industrial processes, synthetic textiles, degraded plastics, and environmental pollution.

Studies show that microplastics can be present in bottled water, tap water, sea salt, rock salt, and processed foods. Continuous consumption may pose potential health risks including inflammation, oxidative stress, gastrointestinal disruption, and chemical exposure from plastic additives.

Eurofins provides advanced microplastic testing using state-of-the-art instrumentation and validated global methodologies to help water producers, salt manufacturers, food industries, regulators, and exporters ensure product safety and regulatory compliance.

Why Microplastic Testing Matters

Sources of Microplastic Contamination

Types of Microplastics Detected

By Size

• Macroplastics (>5 mm)
• Microplastics (1 µm – 5 mm)
• Nanoplastics (<1 µm)

By Polymer Type

• Polyethylene (PE)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polystyrene (PS)
• PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
• Nylon & polyester fibers

By Shape

• Fragments
• Fibers
• Films
• Beads / pellets
• Foams

 Products Commonly Tested

Health Risks from Microplastic Exposure

Standards and Regulations

Microplastic Regulations: India (FSSAI)

• Current Status

• No mandatory limits or routine regulatory testing for microplastics/nanoplastics in food, packaged drinking water, or salt
• Microplastics not explicitly covered under existing standards

• Ongoing FSSAI Initiatives

• Multi-institution projects with CSIR-IITR, ICAR-CIFT, BITS Pilani, and others
• Focus: Develop India-specific validated testing protocols for microplastics and nanoplastics
• Prevalence studies in various food matrices including packaged drinking water and salt
• Exposure assessment and risk evaluation

• Related Existing Regulation

• Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 → Sets specific migration limits for substances (e.g., additives, monomers) from plastic packaging into food/water → Does NOT specifically address physical microplastic particles

https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/microplastics-in-packaged-water-within-safe-limits-health-minister-119070401454_1.html

https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Compendium_Packaging_V_%2002-04-2025.pdf

Microplastic Regulations: European Union

• Drinking Water

• Revised Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184: Mandates monitoring of microplastics
• Commission Delegated Decision (EU) 2024/1441: → Harmonized technical methods for sampling, analysis, and reporting → Applies to particles 20 µm – 5 mm

• Intentionally Added Microplastics

• Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 (REACH Annex XVII, Entry 78): → Bans or restricts sale of products containing intentionally added synthetic polymer microparticles (e.g., cosmetics, detergents, infill material)

Eurofins Microplastic Testing Capabilities

Analytical Techniques

Eurofins uses globally recognized tools to detect, identify, and quantify microplastics at ultra-trace levels.

Complementary Testing Solutions

• Heavy metal analysis in water/salt
• Additive & plasticizer detection (phthalates, BPA)
• Salt purity & mineral analysis
• Water quality parameters (pH, TDS, turbidity, hardness)
• Packaging material migration testing

Eurofins Microplastic Compliance Framework

Global Regulations & Guidelines

• European Union: EU Drinking Water Directive mandates microplastic monitoring; EFSA actively evaluating risk assessment
• WHO: Guidelines for microplastic presence in drinking water; risk-based assessment recommended
• India: BIS standards evolving toward microplastic testing in packaged water; FSSAI encouraging monitoring in salt & marine products
• USA: EPA microplastic monitoring programs; FDA oversees plastic contamination in foods & bottled water

Case Study: Eliminating Microplastic Contamination in Packaged Drinking Water

Challenge A premium bottled-water manufacturer faced export rejections and customer complaints due to microplastic fibers in multiple batches.

Eurofins Assessment Full contamination-mapping study including bottle polymer analysis, cap-shedding evaluations, and filtration efficiency checks.

Findings Micro-FTIR and Raman microscopy confirmed polypropylene and PET fragments originating from the high-speed capping unit.

Eurofins Solution Upgraded filtration membranes, improved pressure control, and adoption of low-shedding closure materials.

Outcome Microplastic levels reduced by 85% within three production cycles, restoring compliance with EU and Middle East import standards and rebuilding brand trust.

Why Choose Eurofins

• Global leader in microplastic and polymer analysis
• Advanced spectral libraries for accurate polymer identification
• ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories
• Expertise in water, salt, marine, and packaged food testing
• Fast turnaround and high-sensitivity detection
• Trusted partner for bottling plants, salt manufacturers, exporters, and regulators

• Detect microplastics with scientific accuracy
• Ensure drinking water and salt safety
• Meet emerging global standards for microplastic control
• Strengthen consumer trust with transparent quality reporting

Enquire now: www.eurofins.in/food-testing/enquire-now/

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