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Exploring the determinants of micro- and nanoplastics exposure among adults in Barcelona, Spain
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Researchers quantified micro- and nanoplastic concentrations in stool, urine, tap water, and food samples from 50 healthy adults in Barcelona, Spain. They estimated a daily intake of 1.53 micrograms per kilogram of body weight, mainly from food, with polyamide, polyethylene, and polypropylene as the most frequently detected polymers. The study found that short-term diet better reflects microplastic exposure than long-term dietary habits, and that plastic additives in the body did not correlate with microplastic levels, ruling them out as proxy measurements.
• Mass quantification of MNPs in stool, urine, household tap water, and food samples • Plastic additives did not correlate with MNPs, precluding them as MNP proxies • Estimated MNP intake was 1.53 µg/kg/day, mainly from food • Broad exploration of behavioral and demographic predictors of MNP exposure • Short-term diet seems to better reflect MNP exposure than long-term dietary habits Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging contaminants present in food, water, and air, yet human exposure levels and key predictors remain poorly understood. We quantified MNP polymer concentrations in human biological samples, estimated dietary intake through food and beverages, and explored potential exposure determinants in a population-based cross-sectional study of 50 healthy adults in Barcelona, Spain. Stool, urine, tap water, and food samples were collected along with detailed dietary and lifestyle data. MNPs (size range: 0.7-20µm) were extracted using ultrasonic-assisted toluene extraction and analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography using a size exclusion chromatography column coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC(SEC)-HRMS). Plastic additives were also screened in urine and tap water to assess their potential as proxies for MNP exposure. MNPs were detected in 52% of stool (median: 1.8 µg/kg) and urine (median: 22.7 µg/L) samples, with polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) as the most frequently identified polymers. Tap water contained MNPs in 26% of samples (median: 1.4 µg/L), primarily PE. Plastic additives were found in all urine and tap water samples, with diethyl phthalate (68%) and hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (78%) being most prevalent. Plastic additives in urine showed poor concordance with MNPs in urine, suggesting they are poor exposure biomarkers. Estimated MNP intake from food (1.51 µg/kg body weight/day) greatly exceeded that from beverages (0.02 µg/kg bw/day), with animal products as the main contributors. Differences in MNP levels were observed by country of origin, recent consumption of meat, seafood, and eggs, and regular packaged food consumption.
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