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MicroRaman spectroscopy detects the presence of microplastics in human urine and kidney tissue
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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.
There is a growing concern within the medical community about the potential burden of microplastics on human organs and tissues. In this study, we investigated by microRaman spectroscopy the presence of microplastics in human kidneys and urine. Moreover, an open-access software was developed and validated for the project, which enabled the comparison between the investigated spectra and a self-created spectral database, thus enhancing the ability to characterize polymers and pigments in biological matrices. Healthy portions of ten kidneys obtained from nephrectomies, as well as ten urine samples from healthy donors were analyzed: 26 particles in both kidney and urine samples were identified, with sizes ranging from 3 to 13 μm in urine and from 1 to 29 μm in kidneys. The most frequently determined polymers are polyethylene and polystyrene, while the most common pigments are hematite and Cu-phthalocyanine. This preclinical study proves the presence of microplastics in renal tissues and confirms their presence in urine, providing the first evidence of kidney microplastics deposition in humans.
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Researchers report the first identification of microplastics in human kidney tissue and urine samples. Using microscopy and spectroscopy, they detected plastic particles in all kidney and urine samples examined, with polyethylene and polypropylene among the most common types found. The study adds kidneys and urine to the growing list of human organs and body fluids where microplastics have been documented, raising questions about potential effects on kidney function.
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In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers detected microplastic fragments in human urine samples from six volunteers in southern Italy using Raman spectroscopy. Four pigmented microplastic particles between 4 and 15 micrometers were identified, suggesting that microplastics can pass through the body and be excreted by the kidneys. This preliminary finding provides direct evidence that microplastics are not only ingested but can travel through the human body and reach the urinary system.
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This review summarizes the growing evidence that microplastics are found throughout the human body, including in the placenta, lungs, liver, heart, blood, and breast milk. While direct evidence for kidney damage in humans is still lacking, animal studies show that microplastics can cause kidney inflammation, cell death, and oxidative stress. The findings highlight that microplastics are accumulating in virtually every human organ, though the long-term health consequences remain unclear.
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