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Identification and analysis of microplastics in main organs of human fetus
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Using Raman spectroscopy, researchers detected microplastics in every organ examined across six human fetuses at approximately 22 weeks gestation, with polyethylene comprising 98.4% of particles and the highest concentrations found in the placenta, heart, and liver. This study provides direct evidence that microplastics cross the placental barrier and accumulate in developing fetal organs during gestation, raising urgent questions about developmental health impacts.
Microplastics (MPs), as persistent environmental pollutants, have been detected in various human tissues, yet their distribution and bioaccumulation in fetal organs remain uninvestigated. Given that fetal development is highly vulnerable to environmental disturbances, assessing microplastic exposure during gestation is of critical importance. Using Raman spectroscopy, we analyzed MPs in major organs-including the placenta, cerebrum, heart, lung, liver, kidney, and intestine-from 6 fetuses with a mean gestational age of 22 + weeks, encompassing cases of intrauterine fetal death and congenital defects. MPs were detected in all cases, with polyethylene (PE) being the predominant type (98.4%). The highest particle counts were observed on the maternal surface of placenta (300 particles), followed by the heart (233) and liver (230). The largest particle, measuring 897 μm, was found in the liver. This study confirmed the widespread presence of MPs in fetal organs.
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Raman-guided exploration of placental microplastic exposure: Unraveling the polymeric tapestry and assessing developmental implications
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Scientists examined placentas from 50 women after delivery and found microplastics in 62% of them, with seven different plastic types identified including Teflon (PTFE), polystyrene, and ABS. While the particles did not appear to affect birth weight, length, or gestational age in this study, their widespread presence in placental tissue confirms that plastic pollution reaches developing babies before birth. More research is needed to understand potential long-term effects.
Microplastics in maternal blood, fetal appendages, and umbilical vein blood
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Researchers detected 16 different types of microplastics in maternal blood, umbilical cord blood, and fetal tissues (placenta, amniotic fluid, fetal membrane, and umbilical cord) from 12 pregnant women who delivered by cesarean section. The most common plastics found were polyamide and polyurethane, and microplastic levels in amniotic fluid increased with maternal age and pre-pregnancy body weight, confirming that these particles can pass from mother to fetus.
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.
Association between microplastics in human amniotic fluid and pregnancy outcomes: Detection and characterization using Raman spectroscopy and pyrolysis GC/MS
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Using two different detection methods, researchers confirmed the presence of microplastics in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women, finding six types of plastic particles including Teflon, polystyrene, and ABS. While no immediate link to pregnancy complications was found in this study, the confirmed presence of plastics in the fluid surrounding developing babies highlights the need for larger long-term studies.
Post-mortem evidence of microplastic bioaccumulation in human organs: insights from advanced imaging and spectroscopic analysis
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Researchers examined tissue samples from deceased individuals and found microplastics in the brain, liver, thyroid, kidney, heart, muscle, and lungs, with the thyroid, kidney, and brain showing the highest contamination at up to 40 particles per gram of tissue. Nanoscale plastic particles smaller than 0.02 micrometers were also detected, indicating that the tiniest plastics can cross biological barriers and accumulate deep in human organs.
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