We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in human urine: Characterisation using μFTIR and sampling challenges using healthy donors and endometriosis participants
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed urine samples from healthy individuals and endometriosis patients, detecting microplastics in the majority of both groups, with 22 different polymer types found. While microplastic levels were not significantly different between the two groups, the finding that plastics like polyethylene, polystyrene, and PTFE are being excreted in human urine confirms that these particles are circulating through the body.
Microplastics (MPs) are found in all environments, within the human food chain, and have been recently detected in several human tissues. The objective herein was to undertake an analysis of MP contamination in human urine samples, from healthy individuals and participants with endometriosis, with respect to their presence, levels, and the characteristics of any particles identified. A total of 38 human urine samples and 15 procedural blanks were analysed. MPs were characterised using μFTIR spectroscopy (size limitation of 5 μm) and SEM-EDX. In total, 123 MP particles consisting of 22 MP polymer types were identified within 17/29 of the healthy donor (10 mL) urine samples, compared with 232 MP particles of differing 16 MP polymer types in 12/19 urine samples from participants with endometriosis. Healthy donors presented an unadjusted average of 2589 ± 2931 MP/L and participants with endometriosis presented 4724 ± 9710 MP/L. Polyethylene (PE)(27%), polystyrene (PS)(16%), resin and polypropylene (PP)(both 12%) polymer types were most abundant in healthy donor samples, compared with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (59%), and PE (16%) in samples from endometriosis participants. The MP levels within healthy and endometriosis participant samples were not significantly different. However, the predominant polymer types varied, and the MPs from the metal catheter-derived endometriosis participant samples and healthy donors were significantly smaller than those observed in the procedural blanks. The procedural blank samples comprised 62 MP particles of 10 MP polymer types, mainly PP (27%), PE (21%), and PS (15%) with a mean ± SD of 17 ± 18, highlighting the unavoidable contamination inherent in measurement of MPs from donors. This is the first evidence of MP contamination in human urine with polymer characterisation and accounting for procedural blanks. These results support the phenomenon of transport of MPs within humans, specifically to the bladder, and their characterisation of types, shapes and size ranges identified therein.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in human blood: Polymer types, concentrations and characterisation using μFTIR
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists analyzed blood from 20 healthy volunteers and found microplastics in 90% of samples, identifying 24 different plastic types including many reported for the first time in blood. The particles were mostly small fragments averaging about 128 micrometers long, and the study also detected hormone-disrupting chemicals called phthalates attached to the plastics. This adds to growing evidence that a wide variety of plastic particles are circulating in human blood.
A Snapshot into the Invasion of Plastics in Human Urine
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed human urine samples and detected synthetic microplastic fragments and fibers in all of them, using multiple spectroscopy techniques for confirmation. The particles included various polymer types in sizes ranging from nanometers to hundreds of micrometers. The findings provide evidence that microplastics are not only entering the human body but are passing through the urinary system, indicating widespread internal exposure.
Microplastics in urine, sputum and lung lavage fluid from patients with respiratory illnesses
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed urine, sputum (mucus from coughing), and lung fluid from 30 patients with respiratory conditions in Iran and found microplastics in all three types of samples. Sputum contained the most particles (358 total), dominated by polyurethane fibers, while urine had the fewest (9 particles). The different types and sizes of plastics found in each fluid suggest the body sorts and distributes inhaled and ingested microplastics through different pathways.
MicroRaman spectroscopy detects the presence of microplastics in human urine and kidney tissue
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists confirmed for the first time that microplastics accumulate in human kidney tissue, finding 26 plastic particles in kidney and urine samples using advanced spectroscopy. The most common plastics found were polyethylene and polystyrene, with particles ranging from 1 to 29 micrometers in kidneys, providing the first direct evidence that microplastics can deposit in human kidneys.
Quantitative Detection of Micro- and Nanoplastics (≥300 nm) in Human Urine Using Double-Shot Py-GC/MS with Internal Standard Calibration
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed urine samples from 18 volunteers and detected micro- and nanoplastics in every single sample, with concentrations averaging about 0.27 micrograms per milliliter. Low-density polyethylene was the most abundant polymer found, making up roughly 68% of the total, and the type of drinking water people consumed appeared to influence their exposure levels. The study provides new quantitative evidence that microplastics are present inside the human body and can be measured through non-invasive urine testing.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.