Microplastic Human Dietary Uptake from 1990 to 2018 Grew across 109 Major Developing and Industrialized Countries but Can Be Halved by Plastic Debris Removal

Summary

This modelling study maps human dietary microplastic uptake across 109 countries from 1990 to 2018, demonstrating marked increases linked to industrial development and plastic pollution. Indonesia emerges with the highest per capita intake, whilst Asian, African, and American nations including China and the United States show over sixfold increases in airborne and dietary MP uptake over the study period. The authors project that removal of 90% of aquatic plastic debris could reduce MP uptake by more than 48% in Southeast Asian nations with peak exposure, and recommend governments implement advanced water treatment and solid waste management to mitigate dietary MP exposure.

UK applicability

Whilst the study focuses on 109 major developing and industrialised countries, the United Kingdom's inclusion and its position as an industrialised nation with coastal exposure suggests some findings may be locally relevant, particularly regarding the intersection of plastic pollution, water treatment efficacy, and dietary exposure pathways. However, the study does not appear to provide UK-specific quantitative data, and further domestic research would be needed to contextualise MP uptake risk and mitigation effectiveness within the UK food and water systems.

Key measures

Per capita monthly microplastic dietary intake (grams) by country; temporal trends 1990–2018; percentage reduction in MP uptake achievable through aquatic plastic debris removal (90% removal scenario)

Outcomes reported

The study mapped human microplastic (MP) dietary uptake across 109 countries over 28 years, identifying Indonesia as the global leader in per capita MP consumption at 15 g monthly. It quantified the potential reduction in MP uptake achievable through plastic debris removal from aquatic environments.

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