Contaminação por microplásticos em carne salgada do tipo charque comercializada em Itacoatiara e Parintins, AM, Brasil

Abstract

The high level of dispersion of plastic waste in the marine environment has caused massive pollution in practically all ecosystems, which can cause the contamination of commercial salt reaching the human body when used in the preparation of salted meat (Beef Jerky). This exposure is dangerous as plastic contains toxic contaminants both adsorbed by the environment and incorporated in manufacturing. The present work aimed to investigate the presence of microplastics in beef jerky. Samples of three brands of meat were acquired in the city of Itacoatiara and Parintins, which were processed and the saline solution obtained was mixed with hydrogen peroxide for digestion of meat residues, then this solution was filtered through filter paper and the content retained it was analyzed. In Itacoatiara, there was a significant difference between the size of microplastic particles (H=7.3020; P=0.0260) and there was no significant difference in the amount of these particles (H= 4.7283; P=0.0940). In Parintins there was no significant difference between the size of the particles (H= 5.0493; P=0.0801), as well as in the abundance there was no difference between the marks (H= 1.4237; P=0.4907). Particles of different colors were found, with a predominance of blue (52% in Itacoatiara / 43% in Parintins), red (21% / 13%) and black (10% / 36%), as well as several types being the most prevalent the filaments (65% / 64%) of elongated shape. Considering all samples, regardless of brand, there was a significant difference between the size of microplastic particles (Z (U)=2.2719; P= 0.0231) with no significant difference in abundance (Z (U)=1.3245; P =0.1853). The prices of meats in Itacoatiara ranged from R$6.00 to R$13.00 reais, the brands with the lowest cost had a higher number of particles and the higher price had a lower number of microplastics. In Parintins there was no standard, the value of the meat was R$9.00 to R$10.00 reais, similar between all brands, and contamination varied regardless of price. The results of this study point to the evident contamination of some brands of salted meat by microplastic particles in both cities investigated, being an alert for human contamination by the consumption of meat with microplastic particles.