Synthetic particles as contaminants in German beers

A total of 24 German beer brands was analysed for the contents of microplastic fibres, fragments and granular material. In all cases contamination was found. Counts ranged from 2 to 79 fibres L(-1), from 12 to 109 fragments L(-1) and from 2 to 66 granules L(-1). The results show a high variability between individual samples and samples from different production dates. Possible sources of this contamination with foreign materials are discussed.