Contrary to popular belief, glass bottles may pose a greater microplastic risk than plastic ones. A recent study found that beverages stored in glass bottles can contain up to 50 times more microplastic particles than those in plastic containers.
Researchers traced most of the contamination to the paint on the outside of the metal caps. The particles found in the drinks matched the cap’s coating in both color and composition. Experts suggest the issue may result from microscopic scratches that form as caps rub against each other during transport or storage. Such scratches can damage the painted coating, leading to the release of microplastic particles. When the caps are sealed onto bottles, these particles can fall into the drink.
The findings raise new concerns about packaging safety and highlight the overlooked role of bottle closures as a hidden source of microplastic contamination in beverages.
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片： AdobeStock
與普遍的看法相反，玻璃瓶可能比塑膠瓶帶來更大的微塑膠風險。最近一項研究發現，貯存在玻璃瓶中的飲料所含的微塑膠顆粒可能比塑膠容器中的含量多出高達五十倍。
研究人員追查發現大部分汙染源自金屬瓶蓋外層的塗漆。飲料中發現的顆粒在顏色和成分上皆與瓶蓋塗層相符。專家認為這個問題可能是運輸或存放過程中瓶蓋相互摩擦而形成的微小刮痕所造成的。這樣的刮痕會損壞塗層，導致釋放出微塑膠顆粒。當蓋子密封在瓶子上時，這些顆粒可能會掉入飲料中。
這些研究結果引發了對包裝安全的新疑慮，並指出了瓶蓋是飲料微塑膠汙染中被忽略的隱形來源。
Words in Use
1. beverage n. 飲料
The cafe offers a wide selection of beverages, including herbal teas and milkshakes. 這間咖啡廳提供多種飲品，包括花草茶和奶昔。
2. contamination n. 汙染
The chemical spill from the factory caused water contamination. 工廠外洩的化學物質造成水汙染。
3. composition n. 成分
Researchers analyzed the soil composition to assess its suitability for agriculture. 研究人員分析了土壤成分以評估其是否適合農業。
4. scratch n. 刮痕；抓傷，劃傷
Kevin’s cat left several scratches on the sofa. 凱文的貓在沙發上留下了好幾道抓痕。
5. storage n. 儲存，貯藏
This room is for the storage of all our old books. 這間房間是用來存放我們所有的舊書。
Practical Phrases
1. pose a risk (to sb/sth)（對某人∕某事）造成風險
Using the medication improperly can pose a risk to your health. 不正確的用藥方式會對你的健康造成風險。
2. trace A to B 查出 A 的原因∕來源是 B
Jack tried to trace the problem to its source. 傑克試著查出這個問題的根源。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
Every February, the US observes Black History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the contributions, experiences, and achievements of African Americans. The tradition began in 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson proposed a national week to promote the teaching of Black history in schools. He deliberately chose the second week of February to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two figures held in high esteem by the Black community for their roles in ending slavery. In 1976, the initiative expanded into a month-long observance, with then US president Gerald Ford urging Americans to acknowledge the accomplishments of
★ Bilingual Story is a fictionalized account. 雙語故事部分內容純屬虛構。 The fog came before the knock. It covered the street and pressed against the window. Chao Gung-dao lit a small oil lamp, but his makeshift hut stayed dim. Another knock. Chao opened the door. The inspector stepped inside and removed his hat. He did not smile. “You remember me?” the inspector said. Chao resented the question. The inspector looked around the small room. His eyes stopped on a wooden box resting on a low beam above Chao’s head. “What is that?” Chao stayed silent. The inspector pulled the box down and
A: The Oscars are set to take place next weekend. It’s a pity that the Taiwanese film “Left-handed Girl” got snubbed. B: And this year, the horror film “Sinners” broke the all-time record with 16 nominations, followed by “One Battle After Another” with 13 nods. Both are nominated for Best Picture. A: What are other Best Picture contenders? B: The nominees are: “Bugonia,” “F1: The Movie,” “Frankenstein,” “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme,” “The Secret Agent,” “Train Dreams” and Norwegian film “Sentimental Value.” A: It’s so hard to choose from. Some of them haven’t been released in Taiwan yet. I hope they’ll be released soon. A: 本屆奧斯卡獎下週即將揭曉，可惜國片《左撇子女孩》未入圍。 B: 恐怖片《罪人》共獲得16項提名，打破影史紀錄。《一戰再戰》則獲得13項提名緊追在後，都是最佳影片大熱門！ A:
★ 本文由生成式 AI 協作，本刊編輯編修。 Continued from yesterday（延續自昨日） https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang Kaohsiung’s deep connection with the sea continues to thrive, with Kaohsiung Harbor remaining a crucial hub for global shipping. In addition to the port, the city has emerged as a major player in another world-class maritime industry—yacht manufacturing, responsible for producing 80 percent of all Taiwan-made yachts. The yacht industry in Taiwan originated in the post-World War II era, when the US military presence in Taiwan provided local boat builders with guidance on making wooden yachts. The resulting craftsmanship was so exquisite that orders soon poured in. In 1977, Taiwan replaced Canada as the main yacht
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