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A Pilot Study of Microplastics and Other Microparticles in the Urine of Children Undergoing Surgery: Identification and Characterization Using Raman Microspectroscopy
Summary
Researchers found tiny plastic particles in the urine of 11 children undergoing surgery, confirming that microplastics can build up in kids' bodies and get flushed out. Some particles were even combined with pigments and industrial chemicals, hinting that plastics might carry other harmful substances along with them. This small study doesn't prove health harm yet, but it's an early signal worth more research.
This pilot study aimed to identify and characterize particles of microplastics (MPs) and other potentially harmful compounds excreted in the urine of children undergoing surgery at a free-standing children’s hospital in the United States. Procedural blank controls of molecular-grade water were collected in an identical manner to the urine samples to account for background environmental contamination. Specimens underwent digestion to remove organic components, followed by vacuum filtration through quartz microfiber filters with 1 micron pore size. Particles captured on the filters were characterized with Raman microspectroscopy. A total of 11 urine samples from 11 patients were analyzed, with a total of 112 particles detected, including MPs polymers and non-polymers (minerals/metal oxides, pigments, and natural fibers). Urine sample MP particle concentrations were significantly elevated after correction for background contamination with procedural blank controls (median 80 particles/L, p = 0.0078). Of the 112 particles characterized, 38 (33.9%) were synthetic plastic polymers (i.e., MPs), 57 (50.9%) were non-polymers, and 17 (15.2%) were complexes of polymers with non-polymers. The most common polymer was polyethylene/polypropylene co-polymer (14/38, 37%) and the non-polymer was hematite (23/57, 40%). Distribution of specific polymers differed in urine samples versus controls, with polyethylene being significantly more prevalent in samples (p = 0.05). Pigments identified across multiple samples included carbon black, cromophtal blue/violet, and irisol blue. Nearly one in six urine particles consisted of complexes of polymers with industrial additives and pigments, raising further concern for MPs acting as pathologic carriers of other harmful compounds. Future investigations should explore the association of MPs and additives with clinical diseases in children.