Microplastic Contamination of Packaged Spirulina Products

Microplastic Contamination of Packaged Spirulina Products | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Microplastic Contamination of Packaged Spirulina Products Serkan Tutaroğlu, Leyla Uslu, Sedat Gündoğdu This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3281279/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 01 Dec, 2023 Read the published version in Environmental Science and Pollution Research → Version 1 posted 6 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Microplastic (MP) contamination in commercially sold Spirulina products has not been previously investigated. In this study, 29 Spirulina samples in various packaging types were purchased from different brands and origins to assess the presence of MPs. Microplastic analysis was conducted using microscopic and μ-Raman techniques. A total of 251 MP-like particles were observed, with 48 particles subjected to μ-Raman analysis. Out of the 29 examined packaged Spirulina brands, 26 showed potential MPs upon visual inspection, with 35 particles confirmed as MPs (73% of the analyzed particles). The mean abundance of MPs was estimated at 13.77 ± 2.45 MPs/100 g. Powdered Spirulina had a higher MP abundance (17.34 ± 4.22 MPs/100 g) compared to capsule/tablet forms (10.43 ± 2.45 MPs/100 g). Fragments accounted for 38.3% while fibers constituted 61.7% of the identified MPs, with sizes ranging from 0.07 to 2.15 mm for fragments and 0.19 to 5.691 mm for fibers. The color distribution of MPs in Spirulina samples was predominantly blue (52.8%), followed by black (25.4%), white (10.9%), and others (10.9%). Ten synthetic polymers and cellulose were identified through micro Raman analysis, with polypropylene (31.6%) and polystyrene (8.3%) being the most prevalent. The abundance and composition of MPs were found to be influenced by packaging and processing stages. Identifying potential sources of MPs in Spirulina products and evaluating their risks to human health is crucial. Microplastics Spirulina Food contamination Food processing Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Highlights - Packaged Spirulina were estimated to have an average 13.77 ± 2.45 MPs/100 g - Powdered Spirulina had a higher MP abundance compared to capsule/tablet forms - Fragments accounted for 38.3% while fibers constituted 61.7% - Ten polymers and cellulose were identified, and PP and PS was the most prevalent 1. Introduction Global plastic production has experienced continuous growth, reaching approximately 390 million tons in 2021 (PlasticEurope, 2022). This extensive production has made plastics a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, posing a significant threat to various organisms. The long-lasting nature of plastic exacerbates its negative environmental and economic consequences, further compounding the issue. Plastics can be categorized based on size, with megaplastic (>100 mm), macroplastic (>20 mm), mesoplastic (20–5 mm), microplastic (5 mm–1 µm), and nanoplastics (<1 µm) forming different types of plastic pollutants (Masura et al., 2015; Gesamp, 2019). The global concern regarding microplastics (MPs) has been increasing due to their emergence as environmental pollutants (Mihai et al., 2022). Research conducted in recent years has revealed the widespread distribution of MPs in various environments, including sea surface water, water columns, marine sediments, lakes, rivers, polar glaciers, soil, groundwater and the atmosphere (Aytan et al., 2016; Güven et al., 2017; Gündoğdu et al., 2023a; 2023b; Nava et al., 2023). MPs in various media are widespread at the entry points to the food chain (Akoueson et al., 2020). Aquatic food products, such as table salt (Gündoğdu, 2018), fish (Blankson et al., 2022), mussels (Gedik and Eryaşar, 2020), and seaweeds (Li et al., 2020), serve as the primary pathway for MPs to enter the food chain. Nevertheless, MPs can infiltrate the bodies of numerous organisms, particularly humans, through direct inhalation (Kashfi et al., 2022), leakage from packaging into food (Sobhani et al., 2020), and even exposure via plastic cutting boards (Habib et al., 2022). The widespread use of plastic in packaging further amplifies the risk of MP exposure, as MPs can migrate from the packaging to the food. Additionally, increased consumption of processed packaged foods during COVID-19 (Oliveira et al., 2021) heightens the likelihood of MP exposure (Deng et al., 2022). Materials such as composites, plastic-coated aluminum or papers, and plastic are commonly used for food preservation, including seafood packaging. Packaged aquatic foods, primarily associated with fish and invertebrates, have gradually increased production capacity over time. This includes the cultivation of seaweed and algae, albeit to a lesser extent. Seaweed, in particular, has become a promising product in the seafood industry, with the global commercial seaweed market projected to grow from $15.01 billion in 2021 to $24.92 billion in 2028 (Persistence Market Research, 2017). The brown, green, and red seaweed production reached 35.5 million tonnes in 2019, with steady growth since 2015. Asia dominates seaweed production, accounting for approximately 97% of the world's seafood production. Among the algae, Spirulina stands out as an important species and has a significant share in the seaweed/algae market. Spirulina , a type of microalgae, is the oldest living plant on Earth, dating back approximately 3.6 billion years. It played a vital role in creating the oxygen atmosphere necessary for life. Spirulina , specifically the cyanobacterial species Arthrospira, is grown for its high protein content. Recognized as one of the most nutritious and concentrated foods, Spirulina contains antioxidants, phytonutrients, probiotics, and nutraceuticals. It has gained popularity for its therapeutic uses and has been declared the best food for the future by the United Nations. The Spirulina market is expected to reach $1.10 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4% from 2023 to 2030. The increasing demand for health and wellness products, dietary supplements, natural food colors, vegetarianism, and the environmental impact of Spirulina cultivation are driving market growth (FAO, 2021; Persistence Market Research, 2017). Strict regulations on synthetic colors and flavors, the preference for Spirulina -based products, its use in aquaculture, and investments from natural-color manufacturers are additional factors contributing to market expansion. Moreover, new applications and the demand for phycocyanin (a pigment derived from Spirulina ), Spirulina from bio-refineries, and fresh/frozen Spirulina are expected to create significant opportunities for market growth (Thevarajah et al., 2022). In terms of product type, powdered Spirulina is projected to dominate the market in 2023, driven by its use in nutraceuticals, food and beverage products, vegan diets, and cosmetic formulations. The business channel segment is expected to hold the largest market share in 2023, as manufacturers purchase bulk Spirulina directly for further product development in various industries such as nutraceuticals, food and beverages, and animal feed (Vintage Market Research, 2023). Humans consume Spirulina as fresh, frozen, dry powder, capsules and tablets. All of these types sold in the packages. Spirulina products is commonly packaged in plastic packages made of polyethylene. The commercial forms of Spirulina being sold in plastic packaging can be one of the sources of MP contamination. Additionally, if the water in the systems used for Spirulina cultivation is not filtered for MPs and similar particles before use, the harvested Spirulina can also be contaminated with MPs. MPs can contaminate the commercially sold Spirulina during processing and packaging as well. Compared to naturally produced foods, processed foods are more prone to contamination with MPs during food production and packaging processes (Kutralam-Muniasamy et al., 2020; Kwon et al., 2020; Li et al., 2020). Furthermore, MPs can contaminate the respective product when plastic packaging is opened by consumers, regardless of the method used (Sobhani et al., 2020). To the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted on the presence of MPs in commercially available Spirulina products. Due to the lack of specific precautions against MP contamination during both production and packaging of Spirulina products, and the use of plastic materials in the production processes, the potential for MP contamination is highly plausible. In order to test this hypothesis, a range of branded and sourced capsule/tablet or powder-form Spirulina products, packaged in various types of containers, were examined to investigate contamination with MPs. This study represents the first investigation into MP contamination in commercially available packaged Spirulina products. 2. Material and Methods 2.1 Collection of Samples In this study, 29 Spirulina samples sold in commercially available packaging made from various materials (including glass, rubber, paper-coated plastic, etc.) were purchased in May 2022. Emphasis was placed on obtaining samples from well-known brands and commonly used packaging formats. Details of the samples, including brand, packaging type, weight and product type, were recorded and presented in Table 1. 2.2 C-Phycocyanin analysis Phycocyanin is commonly used as an indicator to assess the quality of Spirulina products and to verify their authenticity. In this study, the analysis of Phycocyanin was conducted to determine whether the products were indeed Spirulina and to understand the correlation between Phycocyanin levels and the concentration of microplastics. This correlation was investigated to address the question of whether there is a relationship between the authenticity of Spirulina products and the presence of microplastics. Selling products as Spirulina when they are not genuine poses risks to food safety and also raises the possibility of containing various contaminants. Phycocyanin is the blue colored pigment obtained from Spirulina sp. and Spirulina is an excellent source of phycocyanin in this regard. Phycocyanin can constitute 20% of the dry weight of Spirulina (Jaouen et al., 1999; Vonshak, 1997). Due to its phycocyanin properties, it is widely used in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries (Herrera et al., 1989; Silveira et al., 2007). In addition, it is used in these areas due to its antioxidant and anti-cancer properties (Romay et al., 2003; Eriksen, 2008). For C-phycocyanin analysis, 100 ml of NaNO 3 (15gNaNO 3 /L) is added to 1 g of powder sample. It is kept in the shaker for 2 hours. 5 ml of the samples are taken and centrifuged at 3500-5000 rpm for 5 minutes. The supernatant is read in the spectrophotometer at 620 nm. The amount of C-phycocyanin (µg/ml) is calculated from the readings using the equation below (Boussiba and Richmond, 1979). Where; 137 is a factor determined from absorption coefficient for Spirulina (Boussiba and Richmond, 1979). 2.3 MP Extraction The extraction of MPs (MPs) from packaged Spirulina was carried out following the methodology outlined by Gündoğdu and Köşker (2023). Initially, 50 grams of sample were weighed from each package, and placed in a clean beaker. However, in some brands, the total sample weight was less than 50 grams, so the entire sample was used for analysis in those cases. To prevent airborne contamination, the beakers were covered with aluminum foil. A solution consisting of 30% KOH and NaClO was prepared for the digestion of organic material. This solution was made by combining 700 mL of Milli-Q water (Millipore, Bedford, MA, USA), 150 mL of saturated KOH solution (1,120 g/L), and 150 mL of NaClO with 14% active chlorine (Gündoğdu and Köşker, 2023). Subsequently, 250 mL of this prepared solution was added to each beaker containing the samples. The beakers were again covered with aluminum foil and kept at a temperature of 60 °C for one week to allow complete digestion of the organic materials. Once all the organic material was dissolved, the solution was transferred to a separation funnel, and 500 mL of NaI solution (5 M, density of 1.6 g/mL) was added to the samples. After waiting for one day to allow for density separation, any settled material was removed. The supernatant was then transferred to a separate sterile beaker and filtered through a filter paper (single packaged and free from particles) with a pore size of 0.45 µm. The filter papers containing the particles were placed in clean petri dishes and set aside for microscopic and spectroscopic analyses. To examine the shapes (fiber/filament and fragment) and colors of the MP-like particles, a camera (EOS 450D, Canon Co., Tokyo, Japan) was used in conjunction with a stereo microscope (SZX16, Olympus Co., Tokyo, Japan). The size of the MPs was analyzed using ImageJ v1.52s software (http://imagej.nih.gov/ij). 2.4 µ-Raman Analysis During the microscopic examination, a total of 251 MP-like particles were counted, including replicates. Out of these, 48 randomly selected particles were subjected to μ-Raman analysis, which accounted for approximately 19% of the total particles. The MP-like particles were examined using a confocal Raman microscopy system (inVia Qontor, Renishaw, Gloucestershire, UK) equipped with 532 nm and 785 nm lasers. The particles were focused at 50x magnification using a Leica microscope, and two accumulation scans of 10 seconds each were taken with a variable grating setting between 600 l/mm and 1,200 l/mm, and a spectrum width of 300-3,200. The obtained spectra were compared to the ST-Japan MPs Library, and a match of 70% or higher was considered as the basis for determining the polymer type (Gündoğdu and Köşker 2023; Song et al., 2021). 2.5 QA/QC Procedure The method that Gwinnett and Miller (2021) recommended was implemented to minimize procedural contamination. These methods included wearing non-synthetic polymer clothing, cleaning all equipment and surfaces prior to use, avoiding the use of plastic equipment, and working in controlled air environments (Gwinnett and Miller, 2021). Additionally, controls and blanks were taken during the sampling stage to assess contamination levels. In this study, the aforementioned preventive and measurement methods were followed, as Gwinnett and Miller (2021) mentioned. To avoid potential contamination, all equipment was thoroughly washed three times with microfiltered water and subjected to an acetone bath before and after (Beer et al., 2018). The equipment was stored in a closed cabinet throughout the study. All solutions used were filtered using GF/C Whatman filter paper with a pore size of 1.2 µm prior to use. All analyses were performed inside a closed laminar flow cabinet (Class-4, Esco Technologies Inc.), and aluminum foil was used to cover the equipment during all procedures. A negative control group was prepared in triplicate to detect any potential contamination. The same procedures applied to the sample analysis were also carried out for the control group with three replicates. A fiber-like particle with a blue color was discovered in just one of the three petri dish replicates assigned as the control group. This indicates a background contamination of 0.33 MPs/sample from the working environment and analysis procedures. The background concentration was subtracted from the overall average when determining the concentration of MPs. 2.6 Statistical Analysis The MP level was reported as MP 100 g −1 . In order to assess whether the number of MPs followed a normal distribution, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests were utilized. If necessary, a logarithmic transformation was applied as an appropriate data transformation method. To determine the difference in MP levels among different product type, an independent sample t-test were applied. Furthermore, a Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between the C-Phycocyanin level of the samples and the abundance of MPs. All statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS v22 (IBM Co., Armonk, NY, USA) and Tableau v10.2 (Tableau Software LLC., Mountain View, CA, USA), with a significance level set at p < 0.05. 3. Results It has been determined that 14 of the sampled packaged Spirulina brands are in powder form, and 15 of them are sold in capsule/tablet form. Additionally, it has been found that the packaging used includes ziplock plastic, plastic-capped glass, aluminum-capped glass, plastic bottle, or plastic bag packaging (Table 1). As a result of visual counting of MPs, a total of 251 particles were counted. This number was then corrected using the numbers and ratios obtained by both control and µ-Raman analysis, and the overall MP concentration was recalculated. In one of the three petri dish replicates designated as the control group, a blue-colored fiber-like particle was detected. This suggests the presence of background contamination at a rate of 0.33 MPs/sample resulting from the working environment and analysis procedures. Consequently, these numbers were subtracted from the overall mean. Out of the 29 examined Packaged Spirulina brands, 26 showed potential MPs upon visual inspection. Subsequently, all filters underwent µ-Raman analysis to confirm the previously detected MPs and identify the types of polymers. During this analysis, 48 randomly selected particles were examined, and 35 were confirmed as MPs (accounting for 73% of the analyzed particles). This percentage was then utilized as a correction factor for the total particle count (Table 2). After excluding the verified non-MP particles, the mean abundance was estimated at 13.77 ± 2.45 MPs /100 g (Table 2) Based on the product type, the MPs were determined as 17.34±4.22 MPs/100 g in powder form and 10.43±2.45 MPs/100 g in capsule form. Despite the apparent difference in MP concentration, no statistically significant differences were found between different product types (t-test, p > 0.05).In terms of particle shape, the distribution of fragments accounted for 38.3% while fibers constituted 61.7% (Fig. 1 upper panel). The size of the particles varied, ranging from 0.07 to 2.15 mm for the fragments and from 0.19 to 5.691 mm for the fibers (Fig. 1, lower panel). Analyzing the color of MPs in Spirulina samples, the percentages were as follows: blue (52.8%), black (25.4%), white (10.9%), and others (10.9%) (Fig. 1 middle panel). Using µ-Raman analysis, ten synthetic polymers and cellulose were identified and documented in Table 3. The most prevalent polymers found were polypropylene (31.6%), polystyrene (8.3%), followed by polyethylene (8.3%), and polyester (7.8%) (Fig. 2).C-phycocyanin levels of the samples were presented at fig 3 and table 4. In this study, we analyzed phycocyanin in the dry products obtained from the collected samples. The samples varied in both color and quantity. Based on the results, we found that brand 28 had the highest phycocyanin content, with a percentage of 3.49, following brand 24 (3.44%), brand 9 (3.43%), and brand 22 (3.41%) respectively. On the contrary, brand 29 had a very low phycocyanin content, nearly non-existent at 0.18%. Based on the Pearson correlation analysis conducted to determine the correlation between Phycocyanin and MPs concentrations, a negative but statistically not significant relationship between the two variables has been identified (p > 0.05, r = -0.11). 4. Discussion In this study, we examined the presence of MP contamination in a selection of 29 commercially packaged Spirulina brands. Out of the samples analyzed, MPs were detected in 26 of them (89.6%). Specifically, all Spirulina products sold as powder (n=14) contained MPs, while 80% (n=13) of the products sold in tablet or capsule form (n=15) were found to be contaminated as well. The detection rate of microplastics is lower compared to what has been reported in seaweed nori (95.8%) (Li et al., 2020), canned fish (100%) (Gündoğdu and Köşker 2023), commercial salts (94.1%) (Karami et al., 2017), and table salts (100%) (Gündoğdu 2018). However, it is higher than the rates reported for canned sprats and sardines (20%) (Karami et al., 2018). These differences can be attributed to variations in analytical methods, food sources, and food processing procedures. The purchased samples examined in this study were in two different forms: capsule/tablet and powder. Statistical analysis did not reveal a significant difference in the number of MPs between the two product types (p>0.05). However, despite the lack of statistical significance, the observed variations in the presence and quantity of MPs may be attributed to food processing procedures, growing conditions, and the packaging methods employed. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of this issue, further detailed studies are necessary to assess MP pollution at every stage, from the aquaculture environment to the final product obtained by the end user. The abundance of MPs in commercially packaged Spirulina ranged from 1 to 63.7 MPs/100g dry weight, with an average of 13.77±2.45 MPs/100g dw. While there is a lack of previous studies specifically examining MPs in Spirulina , these findings can be compared with the levels of MPs found in other packaged products, despite methodological differences. The concentration of MPs in processed foods varied significantly, ranging from 1.68 n kg -1 to 10,640 n kg -1 . Dessi et al. (2022) analyzed 52 store-bought rice samples, and MPs with different polymer types and shape were found in all of them. PE was present in all samples, with concentrations ranging from 45 to 317 micrograms per gram of dry weight (µg/g dw). PP was found in 40% of the samples, with a maximum concentration of 105 µg/g dw. PET was in 6% of the samples, with the highest concentration being 17 µg/g dw. In another study, Kadzierski et al. (2020) examined the chemical composition and quantity of extruded-PS MPs in packaged meats. The study revealed that MPs were present in meat products at 4.0 to 18.7 MPs/kg levels. Gündoğdu and Köşker (2023) investigated the presence of MPs in 33 different canned fish brands sold in the Turkish market, and they reported that all the samples had at least one MPs particle. Plenty of research is available that exemplifies the presence of MPs in packaged food. For a comprehensive list of MP found in various food items, the reviews done by Jadhav et al. (2021), Vitali et al. (2022), and Al Mamun et al. (2023) can be considered. These studies collectively demonstrate that MP in packaged foods can originate from packaging materials, production processes, and pollution at the source of the packaged product. The concentration of MPs detected in previous studies on packaged foods differs from the amounts found in this study. These variances can be attributed to disparities in analytical methods, food sources, and food processing procedures. Various studies in the literature reveal the presence of different MPs in packaged foods, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyacrylic (PA), polystyrene (PS), and others (Lin et al., 2022). The occurrence of these polymers in foods implies that packaging plastics can be a major source. These polymers and additives can affect the human body (Nobre et al., 2015). Multiple studies, summarized by Brouwer et al. (2022), Prata et al. (2020), Udovicki et al. (2022), and many others have revealed the harmful impact of microplastic exposure on various polymer types. These effects encompass the size-dependent behavior of plastic particles, the transfer of additives and absorbed chemical pollutants, disturbance of the gut microbiome, the induction of oxidative stress, and the escalation of inflammatory response. Hence, including MPs in food items may lead to consequences for consumers. To prevent such circumstances, it is essential to address various aspects. This includes minimizing the utilization of plastic products in food packaging, implementing stricter regulations to limit and decrease the chemicals employed in these materials, and reducing overall plastic production as outlined in the UN's plastic treaty initiative (Bergmann et al., 2022; Dey et al., 2022). In Europe, approximately 8,000 substances are used in food packaging and other materials in contact with food (FCMs), and out of these, 388 different chemicals have been classified as the most harmful chemicals according to the Criteria of the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability due to their carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductive toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and/or endocrine-disrupting properties (Zero Waste Europe, 2023; Zimmermann et al., 2022). More importantly, many of these chemicals can migrate from food packaging, thus becoming a significant source of contamination in food and, ultimately, in the consumer's body. Food packaging is one of the main sources of exposure to endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol (BPA) and phthalates, in children and adults, with an increasing number of hazardous chemicals found in human blood and body tissues. Numerous chemicals that come into contact with food have been associated with harmful effects on human health (Zero Waste Europe, 2023). This study indicates that the most commonly found plastics align with plastics commonly used in food packaging and the most produced plastics (Muhib et al., 2023; PlasticEurope, 2022). For example, the PP, which was detected in the highest proportions in this study, can be used for packaging purposes. Specifically, large woven bags made of PP are widely used for transporting various packaged foods, including Spirulina , in large quantities. The other most common polymers found in this study is PE which is also commonly used in food packaging (Raj et al., 2004). Similarly, PS is used for packaging purposes and contains hazardous chemicals. Therefore, the polymer types of the plastics in this study align with previous studies and widely produced plastics. It should be noted that the quantity of phycocyanin can vary significantly across different studies, influenced by production conditions and the quality of chemicals used in the growth media. For instance, Oguz et al. (2011) conducted a study where Spirulina was cultured in open system ponds in Çukurova during three seasons. They discovered the highest phycocyanin content in the autumn season (332.7±1 µgmL −1 ), with similar results in the summer (323.4±1 µgmL −1 ) and spring (327.5±2 µgmL −1 ) seasons. In another study conducted by Maulana et al. (2023), Spirulina was cultured in two different media (NPK and POC), resulting in phycocyanin amounts of 0.148 and 0.097 mgL −1 , respectively. Furthermore, Walter et al. (2011) investigated the effect of different light sources (white, red, yellow, and blue) on S. platensis culture. They found the highest phycocyanin content of 0.237 mgmL −1 under white light conditions. These findings illustrate that phycocyanin content can vary widely depending on the growth conditions and media used in Spirulina cultivation. Phycocyanin, the primary accessory photosynthetic blue pigment found in Spirulina , constitutes up to 20% of its dry weight (Jaouen et al., 1999; Vonshak, 1997). Interestingly, the tested brand 29 exhibited remarkably low phycocyanin levels. Moreover, the highest concentration of MPs detected in this same brand raises concerns about the production and preparation conditions, suggesting a significant risk. Thus, the characteristics of both quantity (brownish instead of green) and the presence of MPs cast doubt on the authenticity of brand 29 as genuine Spirulina . Spirulina , a microalgae of great commercial importance, is cultivated worldwide (Ahda et al., 2023). While it thrives in hot climates, it can also be grown in colder regions. Spirulina production commonly occurs in pools and photobioreactor systems (Lupatini et al., 2016). Open system production is typically carried out in plastic pools and ponds (Ragaza et al., 2020). Unfortunately, the chemicals utilized during production often have low purity, negatively impacting all aspects of cultivation (Soni et al., 2017). The use of such chemicals not only compromises product quality but can also introduces various types of plastics (such as plastic sacks and boxes) into the production systems. Consequently, these plastics find their way into the culture along with the chemicals. Additionally, harvesting methods employed in underdeveloped countries often involve rudimentary systems that utilize rags with specific mesh openings or nylon sieves. Consequently, plastic materials can contaminate the harvested product (Chen et al., 2021). Furthermore, some countries or businesses opt for sun drying, utilizing materials like cloth or plastic, which can also introduce plastics into the product. Airborne MPs can contaminate the drying process during sun exposure (Wu et al., 2023). Lastly, due to its affordability, the practice of storing dried products in plastic bags further suggests the potential for plastic contamination. The contamination of food and beverage products with plastic has been suggested to result from various stages of production and processing. These stages encompass the fragmentation of plastic tools employed during production and processing, such as those used in agricultural fields and tanks. Additionally, contamination can occur through water used for production and workspace cleaning, as well as in the general facility area where processing takes place. Other potential sources include the work area and airborne fallout, which may contain synthetic fibers found in employee uniforms (EFSA, 2016; Shruti et al., 2020; Dessì et al., 2021; Gündoğdu and Köşker, 2023). According to EFSA (2016), plastic contamination is expected to rise during processing. Li et al. (2020) and Gündoğdu and Köşker (2023) provide evidence supporting this claim and propose that if adequate precautions are not taken to eliminate MP contamination, the processing phase could introduce a comparatively higher amount of MPs into the products. 5. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that microplastics (MPs) are commonly present in Spirulina 's final commercial products, and their abundance and composition are influenced by the packaging and processing stage. It is crucial to carefully identify the potential sources of MPs in these food products and evaluate their potential risks to human health in future research. Plastics typically contain various additive chemicals, such as plasticizers and flame retardants, some of which are known to have adverse effects on human health. Further detailed investigations and comprehensive monitoring studies should be conducted to understand the interaction between packaged convenience foods and dietary supplements with MPs and these chemicals, revealing their presence more comprehensively. Measures should be taken to minimize MP and chemical contamination originating from materials in contact with food and food production and processing processes. The detailed exploration of this aspect should be prioritized in future studies. Declarations Acknowledgement None Funding We gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by Çukurova University Scientific Research Projects Unit for this research, which was conducted as part of a master's thesis. The project titled "Detection of Microplastic (Mp) Exposure During Spirulina platensis Production from Various Commercially Collected Samples" was supported under the Project No: FYL-2021-13753. Author information Affiliations Cukurova University, Department of Biotechnology, 01330 Balcalı, Saricam, Adana, Türkiye Serkan Tutaroğlu & Leyla Uslu Cukurova University, Faculty of Fisheries, Department of Basic Sciences, 01330 Adana, Turkey Leyla Uslu & Sedat Gündoğdu Contributions S. Tutaroğlu: Conceptualization; Sampling; Formal Analysis; Investigation; Methodology; Writing - original draft; Writing - review & editing, L. Uslu: Conceptualization; Sampling; Methodology; Project administration; Resources; Writing - original draft; Writing - review & editing, S. Gündoğdu: Conceptualization; Data curation; Formal Analysis; Investigation; Methodology; Project administration; Resources; Software; Validation; Visualization; Writing - original draft; Writing - review & editing, Ethics declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate Not applicable Consent for publication Not applicable Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests. References Ahda, M., Suhendra, Permadi, A., 2023. Spirulina Platensis Microalgae as High Protein-Based Products for Diabetes Treatment. Food Rev. Int. 00, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/87559129.2023.2238050 Aytan, U., Valente, A., Senturk, Y., Usta, R., Esensoy Sahin, F.B., Mazlum, R.E., Agirbas, E., 2016. First evaluation of neustonic microplastics in Black Sea waters. Mar. Environ. Res. 119, 22–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2016.05.009 Beer, S., Garm, A., Huwer, B., Dierking, J., Nielsen, T.G., 2018. 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Sample No Brand Code Type of Package Weight Type of Product Weight of analyzed sample Notes 1 S1 Ziploc Craft 50 g Powder Whole Package 2 S2 Glass with Aluminum cap 40,2 g Capsule Whole Package 3 S3 Glass with Aluminum cap 45 g Capsule Whole Package 4 S4 Ziploc plastic 100 g Powder 50 g Moisture Absorbers was in the package 5 S5 Plastic bottle with plastic cap 63 g Capsule 50 g Cotton and Moisture Absorbers were in the package 6 S6 Glass with Aluminum cap 80 g Powder 50 g Moisture Absorbers was in the package 7 S7 Plastic bottle with plastic cap 74 g Capsule 50 g Moisture Absorbers was in the package 8 S8 Ziploc plastic 50 g Powder Whole Package 9 S9 Glass with Plastic cap 39,6 g Capsule Whole Package Moisture Absorbers was in the package 10 S10 Plastic 50 g Powder Whole Package 11 S11 Glass with Plastic cap 40 g Capsule Whole Package Moisture Absorbers was in the package 12 S12 Plastic bottle with plastic cap 54 g Capsule Whole Package 13 S13 Ziploc Plastic 100 g Powder 50 g 14 S14 Glass with Aluminum cap 59,4 g Capsule Whole Package Cotton was in the package 15 S15 Ziploc Craft 85 g Powder 50 g 16 S16 Glass with Aluminum cap 100 g Capsule 50 g Moisture Absorbers was in the package 17 S17 Ziploc Craft 100 g Powder 50 g 18 S18 Plastic 50 g Powder Whole Package 19 S19 Plastic bottle with plastic cap 100 g Powder 50 g 20 S20 Glass with Aluminum cap 44,4 g Capsule 50 g Moisture Absorbers was in the package 21 S21 Ziploc plastic 100 g Powder 50 g 22 S22 Plastic bottle with plastic cap 30 g Capsule Whole Package 23 S23 Plastic bottle with plastic cap 36 g Capsule Whole Package Moisture Absorbers was in the package 24 S24 Glass with Aluminum cap 43,2 g Capsule Whole Package 25 S25 Glass with Aluminum cap 60 g Capsule 50 g Moisture Absorbers was in the package 26 S26 Plastic 50 g Powder Whole Package 27 S27 Plastic with Aluminum cap 35 g Capsule Whole Package 28 S28 Ziploc plastic 100 g Powder 50 g 29 S29 Ziploc plastic 100 g Powder 50 g Table 2. The mean and the corrected mean concentration of MPs per 100 g of Spirulina sample and phycocyanin levels according to brand and product type. Type of Product Brand PC (µg/mL) MPs count Corrected MPs in the weighted sample Weight of the sample Corrected MPs in 100 g Capsule 2 289.41 5 3.41 40.2 8.5 3 125.01 6 4.13 45 9.2 5 191.39 6 4.13 50 8.3 7 114.81 1 0.49 50 1.0 9 343.25 8 5.59 39.6 14.1 11 191.66 17 12.16 40 30.4 12 337.23 9 6.32 54 11.7 14 83.50 2 1.22 59.4 2.1 16 239.41 7 4.86 50 9.7 20 338.12 0 0.00 44.4 0.0 22 341.68 11 7.78 30 25.9 23 203.65 0 0.00 36 0.0 24 344.08 12 8.51 43.2 19.7 25 98.02 0 0.00 50 0.0 27 336.54 8 5.59 35 16.0 Mean 238.52 6.13 4.28 44.45 10.43 Powder 1 166.59 7 4.86 50 9.7 4 202.28 2 1.22 50 2.4 6 227.56 11 7.78 50 15.6 8 256.74 2 1.22 5 24.4 10 248.04 3 1.95 50 3.9 13 339.28 8 5.59 50 11.2 15 303.25 5 3.41 50 6.8 17 137.27 8 5.59 50 11.2 18 206.05 13 9.24 50 18.5 19 328.46 7 4.86 50 9.7 21 162.48 14 9.97 50 19.9 26 328.73 24 17.26 50 34.5 28 349.76 8 5.59 50 11.2 29 18.08 44 31.84 50 63.7 Mean 233.90 11.14 7.88 46.79 17.34 Total Mean 236.29 8.55 6.02 45.58 13.77 Table 3. The chemical composition of particles Shape Polymer Percentage Fiber Cellulose 2.08% NA 16.67% Polyester 4.17% Polyethylene 2.08% Polymethylmethacrylate 2.08% Polypropylene 6.25% Polystyrene 6.25% Polyvinylidene chloride 4.17% Fragment Acrylnitril-Butadien-Styrol-Copolymer 2.08% NA 10.42% Nylon-6 2.08% Polyester 2.08% Polyethylene 6.25% Polyolefine 2.08% Polypropylene 25.00% Polystyrene 2.08% Polyvinylidene chloride 2.08% Styrene-acrylonitrile 2.08% Total Acrylnitril-Butadien-Styrol-Copolymer 2.08% Cellulose 2.08% NA 27.08% Nylon-6 2.08% Polyester 6.25% Polyethylene 8.33% Polymethylmethacrylate 2.08% Polyolefine 2.08% Polypropylene 31.25% Polystyrene 8.33% Polyvinylidene chloride 6.25% Styrene-acrylonitrile 2.08% Table 4. C-phycocyanin levels of the samples (PC µg/ml and PC %) Brand PC (µg/mL) PC (%) 1 166.592±2.7 1.66±0.02 2 289.4125±2.8 2.89±0.02 3 125.0125±0.8 1.25±0.009 4 202.2805±1.6 2.02±0.01 5 191.389±3.6 1.91±0.03 6 227.557±0.5 2.27±0.006 7 114.806±2.1 1.14±0.02 8 256.738±1.3 2.26±0.01 9 343.2535±4.7 3.43±0.04 10 248.0385±1.6 2.48±0.016 11 191.663±1.5 1.91± 0.01 12 337.2255±1 3.37±0.01 13 339.2805±1 3.39±0.01 14 83.5015±0.09 0.83±0.001 15 303.2495±4.7 3.03±0.04 16 239.4075±2.6 2.39±0.02 17 137.274±0.9 1.37±0.01 18 206.048±1.6 2.06±0.01 19 328.4575±1 3.28±0.01 20 338.116±1.9 3.38±0.02 21 162.482±1.3 1.62±0.01 22 341.678±1.7 3.41±0.02 23 203.6505±1 2.03±0.01 24 344.0755±2.6 3.44±0.02 25 98.0235±2.2 0.98±0.02 26 328.7315±1.4 3.28±0.01 27 336.5405±0.6 3.36±0.007 28 349.761±2.5 2.49±0.02 29 18.084±1.7 0.18±0.02 Experimental values were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 01 Dec, 2023 Read the published version in Environmental Science and Pollution Research → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Major Revision 17 Oct, 2023 Reviewers agreed at journal 20 Sep, 2023 Reviewers invited by journal 14 Sep, 2023 Editor invited by journal 13 Sep, 2023 Editor assigned by journal 01 Sep, 2023 First submitted to journal 27 Aug, 2023 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-3281279","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":233353153,"identity":"4efef88e-280c-4959-9c74-6530ce51596e","order_by":0,"name":"Serkan Tutaroğlu","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Cukurova University: Cukurova Universitesi","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Serkan","middleName":"","lastName":"Tutaroğlu","suffix":""},{"id":233353154,"identity":"598793c6-13e1-4ffe-a81c-6dd170c9fbc9","order_by":1,"name":"Leyla Uslu","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Cukurova University: Cukurova Universitesi","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Leyla","middleName":"","lastName":"Uslu","suffix":""},{"id":233353155,"identity":"54834eaa-a334-4c52-aefd-c36891beaed1","order_by":2,"name":"Sedat Gündoğdu","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA1ElEQVRIiWNgGAWjYLACHgYGxgb2BhCTmRQtPAegWtiI1iKRQKQW+f41Zg/eVNTKbrj5+JkEQ4V1YoN87wO8WgxuvDE3nHPmuPGG22lmEgxn0hMb2NgN8GuROGMmzdt2LHHD7Rw2Cca2w0AtBFwmPwOm5eYZoJZ/RGhhON8D0lKTuOEGD1BLAxFaDG6wlUnOOXPAeOaZNGOLhGPpxm1saQQc1n94m8SbijrZvuOHH974UGMt2898jIDDINFxGMIBsQnHJP8BEFlHUN0oGAWjYBSMYAAAmoxF4QuwjGQAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4415-2837","institution":"Cukurova Universitesi","correspondingAuthor":true,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Sedat","middleName":"","lastName":"Gündoğdu","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2023-08-21 06:35:24","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3281279/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3281279/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[{"content":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-31130-2","type":"published","date":"2023-12-01T15:01:03+00:00"}],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":43493847,"identity":"d98b2726-ce0f-4ed8-9c3e-9739afe10f6a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-09-21 16:26:05","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":115909,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eShapes (upper panel), color (middle panel), and size distribution (lower panel) of identified MPs in \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e samples.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3281279/v1/a75b639d69692e582496e539.png"},{"id":43493849,"identity":"28775912-95dc-4ee1-a77e-d4d30639ff75","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-09-21 16:26:05","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":394006,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePhotographs and µ-Raman spectrum of different types of microplastics by polymers a) polyethylene, b) polypropylene, c) polyester, and d) polystyrene extracted from the packaged \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003eproducts.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3281279/v1/d361116842b8fadd18ddc9fd.png"},{"id":43493848,"identity":"ab36be1d-bb60-4f9a-9fab-d647b2057f5d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-09-21 16:26:05","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":24999,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eC-phycocyanin levels of the samples (error bars represent standard deviation)\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3281279/v1/3819260f69c9a10d14fac37c.png"},{"id":47561571,"identity":"d240b989-b1ff-4321-b465-04a509db7706","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-12-04 15:12:11","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":835980,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3281279/v1/501efc22-9b3b-482f-ae9e-9963084caf76.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"","formattedTitle":"Microplastic Contamination of Packaged Spirulina Products","fulltext":[{"header":"Highlights","content":"\u003cp\u003e-\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Packaged \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e were estimated to have an average 13.77 ± 2.45 MPs/100 g\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Powdered \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e had a higher MP abundance compared to capsule/tablet forms\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Fragments accounted for 38.3% while fibers constituted 61.7%\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; Ten polymers and cellulose were identified, and PP and PS was the most prevalent\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"1.\tIntroduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eGlobal plastic production has experienced continuous growth, reaching approximately 390 million tons in 2021 (PlasticEurope, 2022). This extensive production has made plastics a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, posing a significant threat to various organisms. The long-lasting nature of plastic exacerbates its negative environmental and economic consequences, further compounding the issue. Plastics can be categorized based on size, with megaplastic (\u0026gt;100 mm), macroplastic (\u0026gt;20 mm), mesoplastic (20\u0026ndash;5 mm), microplastic (5 mm\u0026ndash;1 \u0026micro;m), and nanoplastics (\u0026lt;1 \u0026micro;m) forming different types of plastic pollutants (Masura et al., 2015; Gesamp, 2019). The global concern regarding microplastics (MPs) has been increasing due to their emergence as environmental pollutants (Mihai et al., 2022). Research conducted in recent years has revealed the widespread distribution of MPs in various environments, including sea surface water, water columns, marine sediments, lakes, rivers, polar glaciers, soil, groundwater and the atmosphere (Aytan et al., 2016; G\u0026uuml;ven et al., 2017; G\u0026uuml;ndoğdu et al., 2023a; 2023b; Nava et al., 2023).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMPs in various media are widespread at the entry points to the food chain (Akoueson et al., 2020). Aquatic food products, such as table salt (G\u0026uuml;ndoğdu, 2018), fish (Blankson et al., 2022), mussels (Gedik and Eryaşar, 2020), and seaweeds (Li et al., 2020), serve as the primary pathway for MPs to enter the food chain. Nevertheless, MPs can infiltrate the bodies of numerous organisms, particularly humans, through direct inhalation (Kashfi et al., 2022), leakage from packaging into food (Sobhani et al., 2020), and even exposure via plastic cutting boards (Habib et al., 2022).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe widespread use of plastic in packaging further amplifies the risk of MP exposure, as MPs can migrate from the packaging to the food. Additionally, increased consumption of processed packaged foods during COVID-19 (Oliveira et al., 2021) heightens the likelihood of MP exposure (Deng et al., 2022). Materials such as composites, plastic-coated aluminum or papers, and plastic are commonly used for food preservation, including seafood packaging.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePackaged aquatic foods, primarily associated with fish and invertebrates, have gradually increased production capacity over time. This includes the cultivation of seaweed and algae, albeit to a lesser extent. Seaweed, in particular, has become a promising product in the seafood industry, with the global commercial seaweed market projected to grow from $15.01 billion in 2021 to $24.92 billion in 2028 (Persistence Market Research, 2017). The brown, green, and red seaweed production reached 35.5 million tonnes in 2019, with steady growth since 2015. Asia dominates seaweed production, accounting for approximately 97% of the world\u0026apos;s seafood production. Among the algae, \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e stands out as an important species and has a significant share in the seaweed/algae market.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e, a type of microalgae, is the oldest living plant on Earth, dating back approximately 3.6 billion years. It played a vital role in creating the oxygen atmosphere necessary for life. \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e, specifically the cyanobacterial species Arthrospira, is grown for its high protein content. Recognized as one of the most nutritious and concentrated foods, \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e contains antioxidants, phytonutrients, probiotics, and nutraceuticals. It has gained popularity for its therapeutic uses and has been declared the best food for the future by the United Nations.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e market is expected to reach $1.10 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4% from 2023 to 2030. The increasing demand for health and wellness products, dietary supplements, natural food colors, vegetarianism, and the environmental impact of \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e cultivation are driving market growth (FAO, 2021; Persistence Market Research, 2017). Strict regulations on synthetic colors and flavors, the preference for \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e-based products, its use in aquaculture, and investments from natural-color manufacturers are additional factors contributing to market expansion.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoreover, new applications and the demand for phycocyanin (a pigment derived from \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e), \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e from bio-refineries, and fresh/frozen \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e are expected to create significant opportunities for market growth (Thevarajah et al., 2022). In terms of product type, powdered \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e is projected to dominate the market in 2023, driven by its use in nutraceuticals, food and beverage products, vegan diets, and cosmetic formulations. The business channel segment is expected to hold the largest market share in 2023, as manufacturers purchase bulk \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e directly for further product development in various industries such as nutraceuticals, food and beverages, and animal feed (Vintage Market Research, 2023).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHumans consume\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;Spirulina\u003c/em\u003e as fresh, frozen, dry powder, capsules and tablets. All of these types sold in the packages. \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e products is commonly packaged in plastic packages made of polyethylene. The commercial forms of \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e being sold in plastic packaging can be one of the sources of MP contamination. Additionally, if the water in the systems used for \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e cultivation is not filtered for MPs and similar particles before use, the harvested \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e can also be contaminated with MPs. MPs can contaminate the commercially sold \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e during processing and packaging as well. Compared to naturally produced foods, processed foods are more prone to contamination with MPs during food production and packaging processes (Kutralam-Muniasamy et al., 2020; Kwon et al., 2020; Li et al., 2020). Furthermore, MPs can contaminate the respective product when plastic packaging is opened by consumers, regardless of the method used (Sobhani et al., 2020).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted on the presence of MPs in commercially available \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e products. Due to the lack of specific precautions against MP contamination during both production and packaging of \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e products, and the use of plastic materials in the production processes, the potential for MP contamination is highly plausible. In order to test this hypothesis, a range of branded and sourced capsule/tablet or powder-form \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e products, packaged in various types of containers, were examined to investigate contamination with MPs. This study represents the first investigation into MP contamination in commercially available packaged \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e products.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2.\tMaterial and Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.1 Collection of Samples\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this study, 29 \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e samples sold in commercially available packaging made from various materials (including glass, rubber, paper-coated plastic, etc.) were purchased in May 2022. Emphasis was placed on obtaining samples from well-known brands and commonly used packaging formats. Details of the samples, including brand, packaging type, weight and product type, were recorded and presented in Table 1.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.2 C-Phycocyanin analysis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhycocyanin is commonly used as an indicator to assess the quality of Spirulina products and to verify their authenticity. In this study, the analysis of Phycocyanin was conducted to determine whether the products were indeed Spirulina and to understand the correlation between Phycocyanin levels and the concentration of microplastics. This correlation was investigated to address the question of whether there is a relationship between the authenticity of Spirulina products and the presence of microplastics. Selling products as Spirulina when they are not genuine poses risks to food safety and also raises the possibility of containing various contaminants. Phycocyanin is the blue colored pigment obtained from \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e sp. and \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e is an excellent source of phycocyanin in this regard. Phycocyanin can constitute 20% of the dry weight of \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e (Jaouen et al., 1999; Vonshak, 1997). Due to its phycocyanin properties, it is widely used in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries (Herrera et al., 1989; Silveira et al., 2007). In addition, it is used in these areas due to its antioxidant and anti-cancer properties (Romay et al., 2003; Eriksen, 2008).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor C-phycocyanin analysis, 100 ml of NaNO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e (15gNaNO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e/L) is added to 1 g of powder sample. It is kept in the shaker for 2 hours. 5 ml of the samples are taken and centrifuged at 3500-5000 rpm for 5 minutes. The supernatant is read in the spectrophotometer at 620 nm. The amount of C-phycocyanin (\u0026micro;g/ml) is calculated from the readings using the equation below (Boussiba and Richmond, 1979).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere; 137 is a factor determined from absorption coefficient for \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e (Boussiba and Richmond, 1979).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.3 MP Extraction\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe extraction of MPs (MPs) from packaged \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e was carried out following the methodology outlined by G\u0026uuml;ndoğdu and K\u0026ouml;şker (2023). Initially, 50 grams of sample were weighed from each package, and placed in a clean beaker. However, in some brands, the total sample weight was less than 50 grams, so the entire sample was used for analysis in those cases. To prevent airborne contamination, the beakers were covered with aluminum foil. A solution consisting of 30% KOH and NaClO was prepared for the digestion of organic material. This solution was made by combining 700 mL of Milli-Q water (Millipore, Bedford, MA, USA), 150 mL of saturated KOH solution (1,120 g/L), and 150 mL of NaClO with 14% active chlorine (G\u0026uuml;ndoğdu and K\u0026ouml;şker, 2023). Subsequently, 250 mL of this prepared solution was added to each beaker containing the samples. The beakers were again covered with aluminum foil and kept at a temperature of 60 \u0026deg;C for one week to allow complete digestion of the organic materials. Once all the organic material was dissolved, the solution was transferred to a separation funnel, and 500 mL of NaI solution (5 M, density of 1.6 g/mL) was added to the samples. After waiting for one day to allow for density separation, any settled material was removed. The supernatant was then transferred to a separate sterile beaker and filtered through a filter paper (single packaged and free from particles) with a pore size of 0.45 \u0026micro;m. The filter papers containing the particles were placed in clean petri dishes and set aside for microscopic and spectroscopic analyses.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo examine the shapes (fiber/filament and fragment) and colors of the MP-like particles, a camera (EOS 450D, Canon Co., Tokyo, Japan) was used in conjunction with a stereo microscope (SZX16, Olympus Co., Tokyo, Japan). The size of the MPs was analyzed using ImageJ v1.52s software (http://imagej.nih.gov/ij).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.4 \u0026micro;-Raman Analysis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the microscopic examination, a total of 251 MP-like particles were counted, including replicates. Out of these, 48 randomly selected particles were subjected to \u0026mu;-Raman analysis, which accounted for approximately 19% of the total particles. The MP-like particles were examined using a confocal Raman microscopy system (inVia Qontor, Renishaw, Gloucestershire, UK) equipped with 532 nm and 785 nm lasers. The particles were focused at 50x magnification using a Leica microscope, and two accumulation scans of 10 seconds each were taken with a variable grating setting between 600 l/mm and 1,200 l/mm, and a spectrum width of 300-3,200. The obtained spectra were compared to the ST-Japan MPs Library, and a match of 70% or higher was considered as the basis for determining the polymer type (G\u0026uuml;ndoğdu and K\u0026ouml;şker 2023; Song et al., 2021).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.5 QA/QC Procedure\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe method that Gwinnett and Miller (2021) recommended was implemented to minimize procedural contamination. These methods included wearing non-synthetic polymer clothing, cleaning all equipment and surfaces prior to use, avoiding the use of plastic equipment, and working in controlled air environments (Gwinnett and Miller, 2021). Additionally, controls and blanks were taken during the sampling stage to assess contamination levels. In this study, the aforementioned preventive and measurement methods were followed, as Gwinnett and Miller (2021) mentioned. To avoid potential contamination, all equipment was thoroughly washed three times with microfiltered water and subjected to an acetone bath before and after (Beer et al., 2018). The equipment was stored in a closed cabinet throughout the study. All solutions used were filtered using GF/C Whatman filter paper with a pore size of 1.2 \u0026micro;m prior to use. All analyses were performed inside a closed laminar flow cabinet (Class-4, Esco Technologies Inc.), and aluminum foil was used to cover the equipment during all procedures. A negative control group was prepared in triplicate to detect any potential contamination. The same procedures applied to the sample analysis were also carried out for the control group with three replicates. A fiber-like particle with a blue color was discovered in just one of the three petri dish replicates assigned as the control group. This indicates a background contamination of 0.33 MPs/sample from the working environment and analysis procedures. The background concentration was subtracted from the overall average when determining the concentration of MPs.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.6 Statistical Analysis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MP level was reported as MP 100 g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;1\u003c/sup\u003e. In order to assess whether the number of MPs followed a normal distribution, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests were utilized. If necessary, a logarithmic transformation was applied as an appropriate data transformation method. To determine the difference in MP levels among different product type, an independent sample t-test were applied. Furthermore, a Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between the C-Phycocyanin level of the samples and the abundance of MPs. All statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS v22 (IBM Co., Armonk, NY, USA) and Tableau v10.2 (Tableau Software LLC., Mountain View, CA, USA), with a significance level set at p \u0026lt; 0.05.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"3.\tResults","content":"\u003cp\u003eIt has been determined that 14 of the sampled packaged \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e brands are in powder form, and 15 of them are sold in capsule/tablet form. Additionally, it has been found that the packaging used includes ziplock plastic, plastic-capped glass, aluminum-capped glass, plastic bottle, or plastic bag packaging (Table 1).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a result of visual counting of MPs, a total of 251 particles were counted. This number was then corrected using the numbers and ratios obtained by both control and µ-Raman analysis, and the overall MP concentration was recalculated. In one of the three petri dish replicates designated as the control group, a blue-colored fiber-like particle was detected. This suggests the presence of background contamination at a rate of 0.33 MPs/sample resulting from the working environment and analysis procedures. Consequently, these numbers were subtracted from the overall mean.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOut of the 29 examined Packaged \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e brands, 26 showed potential MPs upon visual inspection. Subsequently, all filters underwent µ-Raman analysis to confirm the previously detected MPs and identify the types of polymers. During this analysis, 48 randomly selected particles were examined, and 35 were confirmed as MPs (accounting for 73% of the analyzed particles). This percentage was then utilized as a correction factor for the total particle count (Table 2). After excluding the verified non-MP particles, the mean abundance was estimated at 13.77 ± 2.45 MPs /100 g (Table 2)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on the product type, the MPs were determined as 17.34±4.22 MPs/100 g in powder form and 10.43±2.45 MPs/100 g in capsule form. Despite the apparent difference in MP concentration, no statistically significant differences were found between different product types (t-test, p \u0026gt; 0.05).In terms of particle shape, the distribution of fragments accounted for 38.3% while fibers constituted 61.7% (Fig. 1 upper panel). The size of the particles varied, ranging from 0.07 to 2.15 mm for the fragments and from 0.19 to 5.691 mm for the fibers (Fig. 1, lower panel). Analyzing the color of MPs in \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e samples, the percentages were as follows: blue (52.8%), black (25.4%), white (10.9%), and others (10.9%) (Fig. 1 middle panel).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing µ-Raman analysis, ten synthetic polymers and cellulose were identified and documented in Table 3. The most prevalent polymers found were polypropylene (31.6%), polystyrene (8.3%), followed by polyethylene (8.3%), and polyester (7.8%) (Fig. 2).C-phycocyanin levels of the samples were presented at fig 3 and table 4.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this study, we analyzed phycocyanin in the dry products obtained from the collected samples. The samples varied in both color and quantity. Based on the results, we found that brand 28 had the highest phycocyanin content, with a percentage of 3.49, following brand 24 (3.44%), brand 9 (3.43%), and brand 22 (3.41%) respectively. On the contrary, brand 29 had a very low phycocyanin content, nearly non-existent at 0.18%.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on the Pearson correlation analysis conducted to determine the correlation between Phycocyanin and MPs concentrations, a negative but statistically not significant relationship between the two variables has been identified (p \u0026gt; 0.05, r = -0.11).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"4.\tDiscussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn this study, we examined the presence of MP contamination in a selection of 29 commercially packaged \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e brands. Out of the samples analyzed, MPs were detected in 26 of them (89.6%). Specifically, all \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e products sold as powder (n=14) contained MPs, while 80% (n=13) of the products sold in tablet or capsule form (n=15) were found to be contaminated as well. The detection rate of microplastics is lower compared to what has been reported in seaweed nori (95.8%) (Li et al., 2020), canned fish (100%) (G\u0026uuml;ndoğdu and K\u0026ouml;şker 2023), commercial salts (94.1%) (Karami et al., 2017), and table salts (100%) (G\u0026uuml;ndoğdu 2018). However, it is higher than the rates reported for canned sprats and sardines (20%) (Karami et al., 2018). These differences can be attributed to variations in analytical methods, food sources, and food processing procedures.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe purchased samples examined in this study were in two different forms: capsule/tablet and powder. Statistical analysis did not reveal a significant difference in the number of MPs between the two product types (p\u0026gt;0.05). However, despite the lack of statistical significance, the observed variations in the presence and quantity of MPs may be attributed to food processing procedures, growing conditions, and the packaging methods employed. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of this issue, further detailed studies are necessary to assess MP pollution at every stage, from the aquaculture environment to the final product obtained by the end user.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe abundance of MPs in commercially packaged \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e ranged from 1 to 63.7 MPs/100g dry weight, with an average of 13.77\u0026plusmn;2.45 MPs/100g dw. While there is a lack of previous studies specifically examining MPs in \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e, these findings can be compared with the levels of MPs found in other packaged products, despite methodological differences. The concentration of MPs in processed foods varied significantly, ranging from 1.68\u0026thinsp; n\u0026thinsp;kg\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e to 10,640\u0026thinsp;n\u0026thinsp;kg\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e. Dessi et al. (2022) analyzed 52 store-bought rice samples, and MPs with different polymer types and shape were found in all of them. PE was present in all samples, with concentrations ranging from 45 to 317 micrograms per gram of dry weight (\u0026micro;g/g dw). PP was found in 40% of the samples, with a maximum concentration of 105\u0026thinsp;\u0026micro;g/g dw. PET was in 6% of the samples, with the highest concentration being 17\u0026thinsp;\u0026micro;g/g dw. In another study, Kadzierski et al. (2020) examined the chemical composition and quantity of extruded-PS MPs in packaged meats. The study revealed that MPs were present in meat products at 4.0 to 18.7 MPs/kg levels. G\u0026uuml;ndoğdu and K\u0026ouml;şker (2023) investigated the presence of MPs in 33 different canned fish brands sold in the Turkish market, and they reported that all the samples had at least one MPs particle. Plenty of research is available that exemplifies the presence of MPs in packaged food. For a comprehensive list of MP found in various food items, the reviews done by Jadhav et al. (2021), Vitali et al. (2022), and Al Mamun et al. (2023) can be considered. These studies collectively demonstrate that MP in packaged foods can originate from packaging materials, production processes, and pollution at the source of the packaged product. The concentration of \u0026nbsp;MPs detected in previous studies on packaged foods differs from the amounts found in this study. These variances can be attributed to disparities in analytical methods, food sources, and food processing procedures.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVarious studies in the literature reveal the presence of different MPs in packaged foods, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyacrylic (PA), polystyrene (PS), and others (Lin et al., 2022). The occurrence of these polymers in foods implies that packaging plastics can be a major source. These polymers and additives can affect the human body (Nobre et al., 2015). Multiple studies, summarized by Brouwer et al. (2022), Prata et al. (2020), Udovicki et al. (2022), and many others have revealed the harmful impact of microplastic exposure on various polymer types. These effects encompass the size-dependent behavior of plastic particles, the transfer of additives and absorbed chemical pollutants, disturbance of the gut microbiome, the induction of oxidative stress, and the escalation of inflammatory response. Hence, including MPs in food items may lead to consequences for consumers. To prevent such circumstances, it is essential to address various aspects. This includes minimizing the utilization of plastic products in food packaging, implementing stricter regulations to limit and decrease the chemicals employed in these materials, and reducing overall plastic production as outlined in the UN\u0026apos;s plastic treaty initiative (Bergmann et al., 2022; Dey et al., 2022).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Europe, approximately 8,000 substances are used in food packaging and other materials in contact with food (FCMs), and out of these, 388 different chemicals have been classified as the most harmful chemicals according to the Criteria of the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability due to their carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductive toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and/or endocrine-disrupting properties (Zero Waste Europe, 2023; Zimmermann et al., 2022). More importantly, many of these chemicals can migrate from food packaging, thus becoming a significant source of contamination in food and, ultimately, in the consumer\u0026apos;s body. Food packaging is one of the main sources of exposure to endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol (BPA) and phthalates, in children and adults, with an increasing number of hazardous chemicals found in human blood and body tissues. Numerous chemicals that come into contact with food have been associated with harmful effects on human health (Zero Waste Europe, 2023). This study indicates that the most commonly found plastics align with plastics commonly used in food packaging and the most produced plastics (Muhib et al., 2023; PlasticEurope, 2022). For example, the PP, which was detected in the highest proportions in this study, can be used for packaging purposes. Specifically, large woven bags made of PP are widely used for transporting various packaged foods, including \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e, in large quantities. The other most common polymers found in this study is PE which is also commonly used in food packaging (Raj et al., 2004). Similarly, PS is used for packaging purposes and contains hazardous chemicals. Therefore, the polymer types of the plastics in this study align with previous studies and widely produced plastics.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt should be noted that the quantity of phycocyanin can vary significantly across different studies, influenced by production conditions and the quality of chemicals used in the growth media. For instance, Oguz et al. (2011) conducted a study where \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e was cultured in open system ponds in \u0026Ccedil;ukurova during three seasons. They discovered the highest phycocyanin content in the autumn season (332.7\u0026plusmn;1 \u0026micro;gmL\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;1\u003c/sup\u003e), with similar results in the summer (323.4\u0026plusmn;1 \u0026micro;gmL\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;1\u003c/sup\u003e) and spring (327.5\u0026plusmn;2 \u0026micro;gmL\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;1\u003c/sup\u003e) seasons. In another study conducted by Maulana et al. (2023), \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e was cultured in two different media (NPK and POC), resulting in phycocyanin amounts of 0.148 and 0.097 mgL\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;1\u003c/sup\u003e, respectively. Furthermore, Walter et al. (2011) investigated the effect of different light sources (white, red, yellow, and blue) on \u003cem\u003eS. platensis\u003c/em\u003e culture. They found the highest phycocyanin content of 0.237 mgmL\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;1\u003c/sup\u003e under white light conditions. These findings illustrate that phycocyanin content can vary widely depending on the growth conditions and media used in \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e cultivation. Phycocyanin, the primary accessory photosynthetic blue pigment found in \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e, constitutes up to 20% of its dry weight (Jaouen et al., 1999; Vonshak, 1997). Interestingly, the tested brand 29 exhibited remarkably low phycocyanin levels. Moreover, the highest concentration of MPs detected in this same brand raises concerns about the production and preparation conditions, suggesting a significant risk. Thus, the characteristics of both quantity (brownish instead of green) and the presence of MPs cast doubt on the authenticity of brand 29 as genuine \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e, a microalgae of great commercial importance, is cultivated worldwide (Ahda et al., 2023). While it thrives in hot climates, it can also be grown in colder regions. \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e production commonly occurs in pools and photobioreactor systems (Lupatini et al., 2016). Open system production is typically carried out in plastic pools and ponds (Ragaza et al., 2020). Unfortunately, the chemicals utilized during production often have low purity, negatively impacting all aspects of cultivation (Soni et al., 2017). The use of such chemicals not only compromises product quality but can also introduces various types of plastics (such as plastic sacks and boxes) into the production systems. Consequently, these plastics find their way into the culture along with the chemicals. Additionally, harvesting methods employed in underdeveloped countries often involve rudimentary systems that utilize rags with specific mesh openings or nylon sieves. Consequently, plastic materials can contaminate the harvested product (Chen et al., 2021). Furthermore, some countries or businesses opt for sun drying, utilizing materials like cloth or plastic, which can also introduce plastics into the product. Airborne MPs can contaminate the drying process during sun exposure (Wu et al., 2023). Lastly, due to its affordability, the practice of storing dried products in plastic bags further suggests the potential for plastic contamination.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe contamination of food and beverage products with plastic has been suggested to result from various stages of production and processing. These stages encompass the fragmentation of plastic tools employed during production and processing, such as those used in agricultural fields and tanks. Additionally, contamination can occur through water used for production and workspace cleaning, as well as in the general facility area where processing takes place. Other potential sources include the work area and airborne fallout, which may contain synthetic fibers found in employee uniforms (EFSA, 2016; Shruti et al., 2020; Dess\u0026igrave; et al., 2021; G\u0026uuml;ndoğdu and K\u0026ouml;şker, 2023). According to EFSA (2016), plastic contamination is expected to rise during processing. Li et al. (2020) and G\u0026uuml;ndoğdu and K\u0026ouml;şker (2023) provide evidence supporting this claim and propose that if adequate precautions are not taken to eliminate MP contamination, the processing phase could introduce a comparatively higher amount of MPs into the products.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5.\tConclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eOur findings demonstrate that microplastics (MPs) are commonly present in \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e\u0026apos;s final commercial products, and their abundance and composition are influenced by the packaging and processing stage. It is crucial to carefully identify the potential sources of MPs in these food products and evaluate their potential risks to human health in future research. Plastics typically contain various additive chemicals, such as plasticizers and flame retardants, some of which are known to have adverse effects on human health. Further detailed investigations and comprehensive monitoring studies should be conducted to understand the interaction between packaged convenience foods and dietary supplements with MPs and these chemicals, revealing their presence more comprehensively. Measures should be taken to minimize MP and chemical contamination originating from materials in contact with food and food production and processing processes. The detailed exploration of this aspect should be prioritized in future studies.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNone\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by Çukurova University Scientific Research Projects Unit for this research, which was conducted as part of a master's thesis. The project titled \"Detection of Microplastic (Mp) Exposure During Spirulina platensis Production from Various Commercially Collected Samples\" was supported under the Project No: FYL-2021-13753.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor information\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAffiliations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCukurova University, Department of Biotechnology, 01330 Balcalı, Saricam, Adana, Türkiye\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSerkan Tutaroğlu \u0026amp; Leyla Uslu\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCukurova University, Faculty of Fisheries, Department of Basic Sciences, 01330 Adana, Turkey\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeyla Uslu \u0026amp; Sedat Gündoğdu\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eS. Tutaroğlu: Conceptualization; Sampling; Formal Analysis; Investigation; Methodology; Writing - original draft; Writing - review \u0026amp; editing, L. Uslu: Conceptualization; Sampling; Methodology; Project administration; Resources; Writing - original draft; Writing - review \u0026amp; editing, S. Gündoğdu: Conceptualization; Data curation; Formal Analysis; Investigation; Methodology; Project administration; Resources; Software; Validation; Visualization; Writing - original draft; Writing - review \u0026amp; editing,\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics declarations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAhda, M., Suhendra, Permadi, A., 2023. Spirulina Platensis Microalgae as High Protein-Based Products for Diabetes Treatment. Food Rev. 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The Growth, Biomass and Phycocyanin of Spirulina platensis Cultured with Liquid Organic (POC) and NPK Fertilizers. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 1191, No. 1, p. 012012). IOP Publishing.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMihai, F.C., G\u0026uuml;ndoğdu, S., Khan, F.R., Olivelli, A., Markley, L.A., Van Emmerik, T., 2022. Plastic pollution in marine and freshwater environments: Abundance, sources, and mitigation, in: Eds, W.L. (Ed.), Emerging Contaminants in the Environment: Challenges and Sustainable Practices. Technology p, pp. 241\u0026ndash;274. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-85160-2.00016-0\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMuhib, M.I., Uddin, M.K., Rahman, M.M., Malafaia, G., 2023. Occurrence of microplastics in tap and bottled water, and food packaging: A narrative review on current knowledge. Sci. Total Environ. 865, 161274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161274\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNava, V., Chandra, S., Aherne, J., Alfonso, M.B., \u0026hellip; Leoni, B., 2023. Plastic debris in lakes and reservoirs. Nat. 2023 6197969 619, 317\u0026ndash;322. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06168-4\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNobre, C.R., Santana, M.F.M., Maluf, A., Cortez, F.S., Cesar, A., Pereira, C.D.S., Turra, A., 2015. Assessment of microplastic toxicity to embryonic development of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus (Echinodermata: Echinoidea). Mar. Pollut. Bull. 92, 99\u0026ndash;104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.12.050\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOğuz, H., Işık, O., Uslu, L., Sayın, S., \u0026amp; Kargın, H. (2011). The effects of the climatic conditions of the Cukurova (Adana-Turkey) on the C-phycocyanin pigments of Spirulina platensis (Cyanophyta). Journal of Fisheries Sciences.com, 5(2), 146-152.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOliveira, W.Q. de, Azeredo, H.M.C. de, Neri-Numa, I.A., Pastore, G.M., 2021. Food packaging wastes amid the COVID-19 pandemic: Trends and challenges. Trends Food Sci. Technol. 116, 1195\u0026ndash;1199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2021.05.027\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eVintage Market Research, 2023. Global Spirulina Market Size 2016-2026 [WWW Document]. 2023. URL https://finance.yahoo.com/news/global-spirulina-market-size-share-125100237.html?guccounter=1 (accessed 7.4.23).\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePlasticEurope, 2022. Plastics \u0026ndash; the Facts 2021, PlasticEurope.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePrata, J.C., Silva, A.L.P., Walker, T.R., Duarte, A.C., Rocha-Santos, T., 2020. COVID-19 Pandemic Repercussions on the Use and Management of Plastics. Environ. Sci. Technol. 54, 7760\u0026ndash;7765. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.0c02178\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePulz, O., \u0026amp; Gross, W. (2004). Valuable products from biotechnology of microalgae. Applied microbiology and biotechnology, 65, 635-648.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eRagaza, J.A., Hossain, M.S., Meiler, K.A., Velasquez, S.F., Kumar, V., 2020. A review on Spirulina: alternative media for cultivation and nutritive value as an aquafeed. Rev. Aquac. 12, 2371\u0026ndash;2395. https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.12439\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eRaj, B., Sankar, U.K., Siddaramaiah, 2004. Low density polyethylene/starch blend films for food packaging applications. Adv. Polym. Technol. 23, 32\u0026ndash;45. https://doi.org/10.1002/adv.10068\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eRomay, C. H., Gonzalez, R., Ledon, N., Remirez, D., \u0026amp; Rimbau, V. (2003). C-phycocyanin: a biliprotein with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Current protein and peptide science, 4(3), 207-216.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eShruti, V.C., P\u0026eacute;rez-Guevara, F., Elizalde-Mart\u0026iacute;nez, I., Kutralam-Muniasamy, G., 2020. Reusable masks for COVID-19: A missing piece of the microplastic problem during the global health crisis. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 161, 111777. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111777\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSilveira, S. T., Burkert, J. D. M., Costa, J. A. V., Burkert, C. A. V., \u0026amp; Kalil, S. J. (2007). Optimization of phycocyanin extraction from Spirulina platensis using factorial design. Bioresource technology, 98(8), 1629-1634.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSjors, V. I., \u0026amp; Alessandro, F. (2010). Algae based biofuels, Applications and coproducts. Environment and natural resources management working paper. Environment climate change. Bioenergy monitoring and assessment.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSobhani, Z., Lei, Y., Tang, Y., Wu, L., Zhang, X., Naidu, R., Megharaj, M., Fang, C., 2020. Microplastics generated when opening plastic packaging. Sci. Rep. 10, 4841. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-61146-4\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSong, Y.K., Hong, S.H., Eo, S., Shim, W.J., 2021. A comparison of spectroscopic analysis methods for microplastics: Manual, semi-automated, and automated Fourier transform infrared and Raman techniques. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 173, 113101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113101\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSoni, R.A., Sudhakar, K., Rana, R.S., 2017. Spirulina \u0026ndash; From growth to nutritional product: A review. Trends Food Sci. Technol. 69, 157\u0026ndash;171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2017.09.010\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThevarajah, B., Nishshanka, G.K.S.H., Premaratne, M., Nimarshana, P.H.V., Nagarajan, D., Chang, J.S., Ariyadasa, T.U., 2022. Large-scale production of Spirulina-based proteins and c-phycocyanin: A biorefinery approach. Biochem. Eng. J. 185, 108541. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bej.2022.108541\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eUdovicki, B., Andjelkovic, M., Cirkovic-Velickovic, T., Rajkovic, A., 2022. Microplastics in food: scoping review on health effects, occurrence, and human exposure. Int. J. Food Contam. 9, 1\u0026ndash;16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40550-022-00093-6\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eUgwu, C. U., Aoyagi, H., \u0026amp; Uchiyama, H. (2008). Photobioreactors for mass cultivation of algae. Bioresource technology, 99(10), 4021-4028.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eVitali, C., Peters, R., Janssen, H.-G., Nielen, M.W.F., Ruggeri, F.S., 2022. Microplastics and nanoplastics in food, water, and beverages, part II. Methods. TrAC Trends Anal. Chem. 157, 116819. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2022.116819\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eVonshak, A. (Ed.). (1997). Spirulina platensis Arthrospira: physiology, cell-biology and biotechnology. CRC press.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWalter, A., Carvalho, J. C. D., Soccol, V. T., Faria, A. B. B. D., Ghiggi, V., \u0026amp; Soccol, C. R. (2011). Study of phycocyanin production from Spirulina platensis under different light spectra. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, 54, 675-682.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWu, H., Hou, J., Wang, X., 2023. A review of microplastic pollution in aquaculture: Sources, effects, removal strategies and prospects. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf. 252, 114567. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114567\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eZero Waste Europe, 2023. Food packaging : safety first Towards toxic-free and future-proof packaging.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eZimmermann, L., Scheringer, M., Geueke, B., Boucher, J.M., Parkinson, L. V., Groh, K.J., Muncke, J., 2022. Implementing the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability: The case of food contact chemicals of concern. J. Hazard. Mater. 437, 129167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129167\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"},{"header":"Tables","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eInformation about collected \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e products from the Turkish market.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"98%\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSample No\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBrand Code\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eType of Package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeight\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eType of Product\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeight of analyzed sample\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNotes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eZiploc Craft\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePowder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhole Package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGlass with Aluminum cap\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40,2 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCapsule\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhole Package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGlass with Aluminum cap\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCapsule\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhole Package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eZiploc plastic\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePowder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMoisture Absorbers was in the package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePlastic bottle with plastic cap\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e63 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCapsule\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCotton and \u0026nbsp;Moisture Absorbers were in the package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGlass with Aluminum cap\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePowder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMoisture Absorbers was in the package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePlastic bottle with plastic cap\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e74 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCapsule\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMoisture Absorbers was in the package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eZiploc plastic\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePowder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhole Package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGlass with Plastic cap\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39,6 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCapsule\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhole Package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMoisture Absorbers was in the package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePlastic\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePowder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhole Package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGlass with Plastic cap\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCapsule\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhole Package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMoisture Absorbers was in the package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePlastic bottle with plastic cap\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e54 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCapsule\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhole Package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eZiploc Plastic\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePowder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGlass with Aluminum cap\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e59,4 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCapsule\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhole Package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCotton was in the package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eZiploc Craft\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePowder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGlass with Aluminum cap\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCapsule\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMoisture Absorbers was in the package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eZiploc Craft\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePowder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePlastic\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePowder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhole Package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePlastic bottle with plastic cap\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePowder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGlass with Aluminum cap\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44,4 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCapsule\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMoisture Absorbers was in the package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eZiploc plastic\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePowder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePlastic bottle with plastic cap\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCapsule\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhole Package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePlastic bottle with plastic cap\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCapsule\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhole Package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMoisture Absorbers was in the package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGlass with Aluminum cap\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43,2 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCapsule\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhole Package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGlass with Aluminum cap\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCapsule\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMoisture Absorbers was in the package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePlastic\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePowder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhole Package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePlastic with Aluminum cap\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCapsule\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhole Package\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eZiploc plastic\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePowder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.24742268041237%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.402061855670103%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eZiploc plastic\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.309278350515465%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.587628865979383%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePowder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"22.68041237113402%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.463917525773196%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 2.\u003c/strong\u003e The mean and the corrected mean concentration of MPs per 100 g of \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e sample and phycocyanin levels according to brand and product type.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"586\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.89419795221843%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eType of Product\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.921501706484642%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBrand\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.457337883959044%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePC (\u0026micro;g/mL)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.921501706484642%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMPs count\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.72354948805461%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCorrected MPs in the weighted sample\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.576791808873722%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeight of the sample\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.505119453924914%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCorrected MPs in 100 g\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.89419795221843%\" rowspan=\"16\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCapsule\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.921501706484642%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.457337883959044%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e289.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.921501706484642%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.72354948805461%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.576791808873722%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.505119453924914%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e125.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e191.39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e114.81\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e343.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e191.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e337.23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e83.50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e59.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e239.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e338.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n 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width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e344.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.51\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98.02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e336.54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e238.52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n 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width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e248.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e339.28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e303.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e137.27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n 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\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e328.46\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e162.48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.97\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e328.73\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e349.76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.84\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e63.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.989733059548255%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e233.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.141683778234086%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.123203285420946%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.88\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.149897330595483%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46.79\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.453798767967147%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.81569965870307%\" colspan=\"2\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal Mean\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.457337883959044%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e236.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.921501706484642%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.55\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.72354948805461%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.576791808873722%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45.58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.505119453924914%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.77\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3.\u003c/strong\u003e The chemical composition of particles\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"435\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.431192660550458%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eShape\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"63.07339449541284%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolymer\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.495412844036696%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePercentage\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.431192660550458%\" rowspan=\"8\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFiber\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"63.07339449541284%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCellulose\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.495412844036696%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.08%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNA\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.67%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolyester\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.17%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolyethylene\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.08%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolymethylmethacrylate\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.08%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolypropylene\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.25%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolystyrene\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.25%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolyvinylidene chloride\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.17%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.431192660550458%\" rowspan=\"10\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFragment\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"63.07339449541284%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAcrylnitril-Butadien-Styrol-Copolymer\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.495412844036696%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.08%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNA\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.42%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNylon-6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.08%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolyester\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.08%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolyethylene\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.25%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolyolefine\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.08%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolypropylene\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25.00%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolystyrene\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.08%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolyvinylidene chloride\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.08%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStyrene-acrylonitrile\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.08%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.431192660550458%\" rowspan=\"12\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"63.07339449541284%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAcrylnitril-Butadien-Styrol-Copolymer\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.495412844036696%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.08%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCellulose\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.08%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNA\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27.08%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNylon-6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.08%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolyester\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.25%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolyethylene\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.33%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolymethylmethacrylate\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.08%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolyolefine\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.08%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolypropylene\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.25%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolystyrene\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.33%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolyvinylidene chloride\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.25%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.38888888888889%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStyrene-acrylonitrile\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.61111111111111%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.08%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 4.\u003c/strong\u003e C-phycocyanin levels of the samples (PC \u0026micro;g/ml and PC %)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBrand\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePC (\u0026micro;g/mL)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePC (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e166.592\u0026plusmn;2.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.66\u0026plusmn;0.02\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e289.4125\u0026plusmn;2.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.89\u0026plusmn;0.02\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e125.0125\u0026plusmn;0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.25\u0026plusmn;0.009\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e202.2805\u0026plusmn;1.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.02\u0026plusmn;0.01\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e191.389\u0026plusmn;3.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.91\u0026plusmn;0.03\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e227.557\u0026plusmn;0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.27\u0026plusmn;0.006\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e114.806\u0026plusmn;2.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.14\u0026plusmn;0.02\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e256.738\u0026plusmn;1.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.26\u0026plusmn;0.01\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e343.2535\u0026plusmn;4.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.43\u0026plusmn;0.04\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e248.0385\u0026plusmn;1.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.48\u0026plusmn;0.016\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e191.663\u0026plusmn;1.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.91\u0026plusmn; 0.01\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e337.2255\u0026plusmn;1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.37\u0026plusmn;0.01\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e339.2805\u0026plusmn;1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.39\u0026plusmn;0.01\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e83.5015\u0026plusmn;0.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.83\u0026plusmn;0.001\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e303.2495\u0026plusmn;4.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.03\u0026plusmn;0.04\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e239.4075\u0026plusmn;2.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.39\u0026plusmn;0.02\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e137.274\u0026plusmn;0.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.37\u0026plusmn;0.01\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e206.048\u0026plusmn;1.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.06\u0026plusmn;0.01\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e328.4575\u0026plusmn;1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.28\u0026plusmn;0.01\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e338.116\u0026plusmn;1.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.38\u0026plusmn;0.02\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e162.482\u0026plusmn;1.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.62\u0026plusmn;0.01\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e341.678\u0026plusmn;1.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.41\u0026plusmn;0.02\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e203.6505\u0026plusmn;1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.03\u0026plusmn;0.01\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e344.0755\u0026plusmn;2.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.44\u0026plusmn;0.02\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98.0235\u0026plusmn;2.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.98\u0026plusmn;0.02\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e328.7315\u0026plusmn;1.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.28\u0026plusmn;0.01\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e336.5405\u0026plusmn;0.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.36\u0026plusmn;0.007\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e349.761\u0026plusmn;2.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.49\u0026plusmn;0.02\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.897435897435898%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.084\u0026plusmn;1.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.05128205128205%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.18\u0026plusmn;0.02\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExperimental values were expressed as mean \u0026plusmn; standard deviation.\u003c/p\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":true,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"environmental-science-and-pollution-research","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"espr","sideBox":"Learn more about [Environmental Science and Pollution Research](https://www.springer.com/journal/11356)","snPcode":"11356","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/11356/3","title":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"Microplastics, Spirulina, Food contamination, Food processing","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3281279/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3281279/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eMicroplastic (MP) contamination in commercially sold \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e products has not been previously investigated. In this study, 29 \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003esamples in various packaging types were purchased from different brands and origins to assess the presence of MPs. Microplastic analysis was conducted using microscopic and μ-Raman techniques. A total of 251 MP-like particles were observed, with 48 particles subjected to μ-Raman analysis. Out of the 29 examined packaged \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e brands, 26 showed potential MPs upon visual inspection, with 35 particles confirmed as MPs (73% of the analyzed particles). The mean abundance of MPs was estimated at 13.77 ± 2.45 MPs/100 g. Powdered \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003ehad a higher MP abundance (17.34 ± 4.22 MPs/100 g) compared to capsule/tablet forms (10.43 ± 2.45 MPs/100 g). Fragments accounted for 38.3% while fibers constituted 61.7% of the identified MPs, with sizes ranging from 0.07 to 2.15 mm for fragments and 0.19 to 5.691 mm for fibers. The color distribution of MPs in \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e samples was predominantly blue (52.8%), followed by black (25.4%), white (10.9%), and others (10.9%). Ten synthetic polymers and cellulose were identified through micro Raman analysis, with polypropylene (31.6%) and polystyrene (8.3%) being the most prevalent. The abundance and composition of MPs were found to be influenced by packaging and processing stages. Identifying potential sources of MPs in \u003cem\u003eSpirulina\u003c/em\u003e products and evaluating their risks to human health is crucial.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Microplastic Contamination of Packaged Spirulina Products","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2023-09-21 16:26:00","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3281279/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Major Revision","date":"2023-10-17T08:15:37+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"","date":"2023-09-20T05:33:19+00:00","index":0,"fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2023-09-14T14:58:11+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","date":"2023-09-13T18:17:56+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2023-09-01T05:17:05+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","date":"2023-08-28T03:21:07+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"environmental-science-and-pollution-research","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"espr","sideBox":"Learn more about [Environmental Science and Pollution Research](https://www.springer.com/journal/11356)","snPcode":"11356","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/11356/3","title":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"e3ccf300-08b7-4998-89f9-2a380422b692","owner":[],"postedDate":"September 21st, 2023","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2023-12-04T15:11:18+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-3281279","link":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-31130-2","journal":{"identity":"environmental-science-and-pollution-research","isVorOnly":false,"title":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research"},"publishedOn":"2023-12-01 15:01:03","publishedOnDateReadable":"December 1st, 2023"},"versionCreatedAt":"2023-09-21 16:26:00","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1007/s11356-023-31130-2","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-31130-2","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-3281279","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-3281279","identity":"rs-3281279","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"WrCJVZZCHTDjtuVLN7oU0","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}