Plastic is a common material today with many advantages such as high durability, reasonable cost, flexibility, and good thinness. However, after use, plastic is discarded and improperly collected, causing plastic waste pollution in the environment. Among them, microplastic pollution is becoming a concern for many countries around the world, including Vietnam, due to its presence in the food chain and its impact on the environment, ecosystems, and public health.
Microplastics are fragments, particles, and fibers of plastic smaller than 5 mm, with a density ranging from 0.8 to 3 g/cm³, very light when released into the environment. Microplastics easily disperse in water, soil, air, and even in the bodies of organisms.
Microplastic Pollution
In Vietnam, studies have shown the presence of microplastics in the environment and in organisms. In 2023, a study by Tuan Anh and colleagues reported microplastic concentrations in the surface water of the Saigon River at 68 ± 20 microplastics/m³, and in sediments at 9167 ± 4559 microplastics/kg. Another study recorded Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) microplastics in blood cockles (Anadara sp.) and green mussels (Perna viridis) with concentrations of 1.84 and 4.33 microplastics/individual. Globally, there have been more in-depth studies on the impact of microplastics. In 2022, a report by Heather and colleagues showed the presence of microplastics in human blood at a concentration of 1.6 µg/mL. Furthermore, microplastics can adsorb persistent organic pollutants from the environment onto their surfaces, increasing the risk of exposure to these substances when they enter the bodies of organisms and humans. Microplastics are at risk of appearing in food, especially seafood, due to their direct contact with the water environment. The diverse development of plastic packaging for food products, such as bottled water, beverages, and canned food.
Current Trends
To control microplastic pollution, it is necessary to effectively manage the sources of microplastic generation. Currently, Vietnam has regulations related to plastic products such as: Article 64 of Decree 08/2022/ND-CP, from January 1, 2026, Vietnam will not produce or import non-biodegradable plastic bags smaller than 50 cm × 50 cm and with a single-layer film thickness of less than 50µm. After December 31, 2030, the production and import of single-use plastic products, non-biodegradable plastic packaging, and goods containing microplastics (except products certified with the Vietnam eco-label) will be stopped.
From October 17, 2023, the European Union began banning the addition of microplastics to products and goods (according to EC Regulation No. 2023/2055). This regulation initially applies to microplastics in cosmetics, body coatings, and plastic glitter on clothing.
Why choose Eurofins ETM
- Member of the world's leading network of laboratories for testing and analyzing microplastics
- Over 20 years of experience in Vietnam
- Investing in modern equipment such as Pyrolytic GC-MS, FTIR Raman Spectroscopy, Laser LDIR Direct Infrared Technology
At Eurofins, we support customers in understanding the impact of microplastics and synthetic materials through various services. To determine the level of microplastic pollution, it is necessary to identify the microplastic content, microplastic composition (PP, PE, PVC, PS,...), shape, and size of microplastics. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) equipment with infrared microscopy (µ-FTIR) can analyze plastic particles as small as 53 µm. Analyzing microplastic composition using infrared spectroscopy equipment is currently the preferred method. The center currently has experienced staff and equipment to serve microplastic analysis in environmental and food samples.
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