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Detection and characterization of MPs in the human stool: an observational study in Bushehr, Iran
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All 30 stool samples from adults with endocrine disorders in Bushehr, Iran contained microplastics at a mean concentration of 6.22 items per gram, with polypropylene fibers being the most prevalent type detected via Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The near-universal presence of microplastics in stool—alongside their ability to adsorb heavy metals—underscores widespread human exposure through ingestion and potential co-contaminant delivery to the gut.
Plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, known as microplastics (MPs), are considered emerging contaminants that may pose health risks to humans. The present observational-descriptive study aimed to detect and characterize MPs in stool samples of 30 adult individuals with endocrine disorders in Bushehr, Iran. The presence, morphology, polymer types, and elemental composition of MPs in human stool samples were analyzed using Micro-Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). All stool samples contained MPs, with a mean concentration of 6.22 items/g. The most frequently identified MPs were within the size range of 500–1000 μm, and fibers accounted for 97.9% of the observed shapes. White/transparent and black/gray were the most common colors detected. Raman analysis identified six types of polymers, with polypropylene (PP) being the most prevalent (36.36%). EDX results revealed major elements such as carbon and oxygen, followed by trace elements like Na, Mg, Si, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, and I. Overall, the findings indicate widespread exposure to MPs, likely via ingestion, and highlight their roles as vectors for environmental pollutants due to their ability to adsorb heavy metals and undergo surface modification through environmental weathering.
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Human exposure to microplastics: A study in Iran
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Researchers conducted one of the first direct assessments of human microplastic exposure in Iran, collecting samples from the skin, hair, and saliva of 2,000 adults across different regions. They found microplastics present on virtually all participants, with fiber-type particles being the most common and concentrations varying by geographic location and demographic factors. The study provides quantitative evidence that microplastic exposure is widespread across the general population.
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