Unveiling Hidden Health Risks: Machine Learning Enhanced Modeling of Plastic Additive Release Kinetics in Fresh Produce Packaging.

Journal: Environmental science & technology
Published Date: Jun 10, 2025

Abstract

Fresh produce packaging (FPP) plays a critical role in protecting fruits and vegetables from various environmental factors. However, the presence, migration, and human health risks of additives in FPP have received limited attention. This study investigated 73 commonly used additives across six categories of FPP samples collected in China. A Weibull model combined with machine learning techniques was used to assess the migration of these additives into fruits and vegetables. A total of 43 additives were identified in the FPP samples, with concentrations ranging from 1.52 × 10 to 2.51 × 10 ng/g. Notably, non-phthalate plasticizers (NPPs) were found to be the most prevalent additive group. The migration ratio of additives varied from 10.5% to complete migration, influenced by factors including the molecular structure of the additives, FPP material composition, and temperature. Additives in foamed packaging exhibited the fastest migration rates and the highest migration ratios. Estimates of daily intake indicated that 2-ethylhexanoic acid (EHA) and triethyl phosphate (TEP) migrating from the FPP can pose significant health risks. These findings highlight a crucial source of health risks to humans and underscore the urgent need for the controlled and scientifically informed incorporation of additives in plastic products in the future.

Authors

  • Baojun Ding
    School of Chemistry, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
  • Fangfang Yang
    Honam University, Gwangju 62399, Republic of Korea.
  • Wenjing Han
    Language Computing Lab, Samsung R&D Institute of China - Beijing (SRC-B), Beijing, China.
  • Zijun Xiao
    Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), Dalian Key Laboratory on Chemicals Risk Control and Pollution Prevention Technology, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
  • Qing Xie
    Department of Infectious Disease, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
  • Huaijun Xie
    Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), Dalian Key Laboratory on Chemicals Risk Control and Pollution Prevention Technology, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
  • Jingwen Chen
    Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China. Electronic address: jwchen@dlut.edu.cn.

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