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First report on the presence of microplastics in chicken livers and gizzards in Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional (Costa Rica), 2026) Soto-Barrientos, Natalia; Víquez-Murillo, Catalina; Ulate-Naranjo, Karol; Hernández-Montero, Natalia; García-Rojas, Andrea
Abstract. Microplastic (MP) pollution is a global environmental issue affecting marine and terrestrial ecosystems. In Costa Rica, concern is growing, with recent findings in marine environment, cattle and pig livers. This study quantified and characterized MPs in chicken livers and gizzards intended for human consumption. Samples were collected from local butcher shops, digested chemically, and analyzed by microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). MPs were detected in 82.80% (n = 77) of 93 livers and 86.84% (n = 99) of 114 gizzards, predominantly as translucent and blue fibers. Several polymers, including polypropylene, polyesters, nylon, PMMA, and PVC, were identified, though differentiation from natural cellulose fibers remained challenging. The widespread presence of MPs in poultry offal highlights potential risks to food safety and environmental health, emphasizing the need for improved analytical methods, contamination control in production chains, and further research to assess health impacts.