The released micro/nano-plastics from plastic containers amplified the toxic response of disinfection by-products in human cells.

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) released from plastic containers pose significant food safety concerns; however, their release patterns in different containers along with their impacts on other pollutants remain poorly understood. This study revealed that feeding bottles, food containers, and paper cups released approximately 10 microplastics and 10 nanoplastics after hot water treatment. These released MNPs were nontoxic in six cell types, whereas they significantly amplified the toxicity of disinfection by-products (DBPs), a widely existing contaminant in drinking water. The joint toxicity was influenced by MNPs size, the types of cells and DBPs, with a maximum synergistic efficiency of 57.89 ± 4.64 % in human hepatic carcinoma cells (HepG2) exposed to nanoplastics from feeding bottles and iodoacetamide. Additionally, the exposure assessment indicated that released MNPs posed greater risks to infants. These findings suggested that while MNPs alone were nontoxic, their interactions with DBPs presented potential risks, particularly for sensitive populations.