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Microplastics in human semen: Physicochemical characterisation and surface-associated elemental profiles among Malaysian men
AI summary
Researchers detected microplastics in semen samples from all 115 Malaysian men tested, with polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate as the dominant polymers and surface-associated elements including mercury, copper, and iron, providing baseline characterization of microplastic physicochemical properties within the male reproductive system.
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This review consolidates evidence that microplastic exposure reduces sperm quality, disrupts spermatogenesis, and can pass toxic effects across generations in mammals, acting through inflammation, hormonal disruption, and oxidative stress. As microplastics increasingly accumulate in human reproductive organs, understanding these mechanisms is urgently important for addressing a potential contributor to declining male fertility worldwide.
Occurrence, toxicity and removal of polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics in human sperm
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Researchers detected polystyrene microplastics in human semen and showed they reduce sperm function, then demonstrated that magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles can remove nanoplastics from semen samples — offering an early glimpse into both the reproductive health threat posed by microplastics and potential mitigation strategies.
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in boar semen and discovered a link to weaker sperm movement and changes in how bacteria in the semen responded to antibiotics. While this study was done in pigs, not people, it raises concern because boars are often used as a stand-in for human reproductive health research—suggesting plastic pollution could potentially affect fertility and increase antibiotic-resistant bacteria in humans too. More research is needed to confirm whether these same effects happen in men.
Microplastic exposure is associated with male reproductive health
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Researchers reviewed the association between microplastic exposure and male reproductive health, finding emerging evidence that microplastic accumulation is linked to reduced sperm quality, hormonal disruption, and testicular damage, though large-scale human epidemiological data remain limited.
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Researchers reviewed how scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS) and optical microscopy are used to analyze microplastics, finding these tools valuable for identifying particle shape, surface texture, and chemical composition in environmental samples with high visual detail.
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.