Occurrence of Microplastics in Selected Liquid Oral Medications and Intravenous Infusions in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognized as emerging contaminants in clinical environments, suggesting novel exposure routes beyond dietary and inhalation routes. This study provides the first systematic investigation of MP contamination of selected intravenous (IV) fluids and oral liquid medications in Sri Lanka. Eleven medicinal liquids (four IV fluids and seven oral preparations) were collected from government and private healthcare facilities based on their frequency of usage and analyzed under strict quality control conditions in a laminar hood facility. Microplastics were extracted by vacuum filtration through 0.45 μm cellulose nitrate filters and identified by stereomicroscopy and hot needle testing. All samples contained MPs, with normal saline IV fluids showing a mean concentration of 15.30 ± 3.28 MPs per 100 mL and oral liquids 69.98 ± 43.35 MPs per 100 mL. Fragments and fibres were the dominant morphologies, consistent with global reports linking MPs to packaging and handling. These findings highlight a critical gap in pharmaceutical quality control, particularly considering the direct systemic exposure risk posed by IV infusions. Establishing monitoring systems, enhancing packaging standards, and formulating regulatory frameworks are urgently needed to mitigate MP associated in healthcare products as emerging contaminants, posing direct threats on human.