Microplastic contamination in open-air market cauliflowers: integrated laboratory detection and vendor awareness assessment in Madurai, India.

Authors

Marie Serena McConnell, Josephine Preethi, K Suganya

Published in

Environmental monitoring and assessment. Volume 198. Issue 7. Jun 15, 2026. Epub Jun 15, 2026.

Abstract

Urban food systems are at risk from microplastic contamination due to inadequate awareness among vendors and direct food contamination. In this integrated study, microplastics were detected in cauliflower from three high-traffic markets in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, along with a comprehensive survey of 111 food vendors to assess knowledge, risk perception, and behavioural intentions. In all market samples, microplastics were detected (9-16 particles per cauliflower), while they were absent from supermarket comparisons. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis identified multiple polymer types including polystyrene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate, with additional polymer signatures detected requiring further confirmation. The survey among vendors revealed alarmingly low awareness (6.3%), concentrated exclusively in Villapuram market (χ² = 11.81, p = 0.003), with limited health risk perception (30.6%) and low willingness to adopt alternative packaging (18.0%). Factor analysis identified three behavioural dimensions: Environmental Consciousness, Health Concern, and Business Adaptability. It is alarming to note that vendors are not aware of contamination despite measurable contamination, which highlights the need for targeted interventions.

PMID:
42295589
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 15 Jun 2026.

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