Papers

Microplastics in human blood: Polymer types, concentrations and characterisation using μFTIR

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.

Microplastics in human urine: Characterisation using μFTIR and sampling challenges using healthy donors and endometriosis participants

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.

Microplastic contamination of drinking water: A systematic review

This systematic review is one of the first to comprehensively assess microplastic contamination in drinking water and estimate how much people are exposed to. The researchers recommend adopting the precautionary principle to address potential health concerns, emphasizing that more standardized research is urgently needed to understand the risks of consuming microplastics in tap and bottled water.

Detection of microplastics in human lung tissue using μFTIR spectroscopy

Researchers analyzed lung tissue from 13 people and found microplastics in 11 of the samples, identifying 12 different plastic types including polypropylene and polyester. The particles were found in all regions of the lungs, with significantly higher concentrations in the lower lung. This is one of the first studies to directly confirm that microplastics from everyday environments can be inhaled and accumulate deep in human lung tissue.

Microplastic Contamination of Seafood Intended for Human Consumption: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This meta-analysis is the first to systematically quantify microplastic contamination in seafood sold for human consumption. The findings confirm that people are regularly ingesting microplastics through seafood, underscoring the need for action to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans and better understand the health effects of this exposure.

Detection of microplastics in human saphenous vein tissue using μFTIR: A pilot study

In this pilot study, researchers detected microplastics in human vein tissue for the first time, finding an average of about 15 particles per gram in saphenous vein samples from surgical patients. Five different types of plastic polymers were identified, with alkyd resin being the most common. While the sample size was small, the study adds to growing evidence that microplastics are accumulating in human cardiovascular tissue, not just in the blood.

A rapid review and meta-regression analyses of the toxicological impacts of microplastic exposure in human cells

Researchers conducted a systematic review and statistical analysis of studies examining the effects of microplastic exposure on human cells in the laboratory. They found evidence that microplastics can cause cell damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress, with smaller particles and higher doses generally producing stronger effects. The study provides the first pooled estimate of dose-response thresholds for microplastic toxicity in human cells, helping to frame the potential health risks of daily exposure.

Microplastic contamination of salt intended for human consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined microplastic contamination in table salt from around the world. It found that microplastics are present in most salt products intended for human consumption, with sea salt generally containing more particles than rock or lake salt, representing a consistent source of dietary microplastic exposure.

Microplastics in cardiopulmonary bypass: quantification and characterization of particles across systems

Researchers measured microplastic contamination generated by cardiopulmonary bypass machines used during heart surgery and found significant levels of plastic particles across the systems tested. The study characterized the types and quantities of microplastics produced during machine operation. The findings raise questions about patient exposure to microplastics during cardiac procedures and highlight the need for further research into whether these particles have clinical significance.

Outdoor Atmospheric Microplastics within the Humber Region (United Kingdom): Quantification and Chemical Characterisation of Deposited Particles Present

Researchers measured atmospheric microplastic deposition at an urban site in the Humber region of the United Kingdom over 13 months. They found a mean deposition rate of approximately 3,055 particles per square meter per day, predominantly polyethylene and nylon film-shaped particles, with no clear relationship between rainfall and deposition levels. The study also characterized microplastics across five urbanized locations, finding petroleum resin particles more prevalent in industrial and roadside zones.

Microplastics in the surgical environment

Researchers quantified and characterized airborne microplastics in a hospital operating theatre and adjoining anaesthetic room over a one-week period. They found an average of 1,924 microplastic particles per cubic meter per day in the theatre during working hours, dominated by polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene fragments. The study provides novel data on microplastic exposure in surgical environments where single-use plastics are widely used, and no microplastics were detected during non-working hours.

Microbes and us: microbiology literacy in Greece

Researchers surveyed over 670 people in Greece to assess public understanding of microbes and microbiology. They found that many respondents primarily associated microbes with disease and danger, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that improving microbiology literacy could help the public better appreciate the beneficial roles that microorganisms play in health and the environment.

A preliminary analysis of microplastics in edible versus non-edible tissues from seafood samples.

Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in commercially important fish and shellfish species, comparing levels in edible versus non-edible tissues. The study found microplastics present across multiple species and tissue types, providing preliminary evidence that the edible portions of seafood may contain microplastic particles, which has implications for understanding human dietary exposure.

Microplastic contamination of donated blood and red cell concentrates

Researchers investigated whether blood donation and processing procedures introduce microplastics into transfusion products, finding that plastic blood collection packs and processing steps may contribute to microplastic contamination. Microplastics have previously been found in human blood at varying concentrations, with potential associations to vascular and thrombotic effects. The study raises important questions about whether blood processing equipment may be an underrecognized source of microplastic exposure for transfusion recipients.

Household indoor microplastics within the Humber region (United Kingdom): Quantification and chemical characterisation of particles present

Outdoor Microplastic Analysis Using Inlet Filters from an NOx Regulatory Air Quality Monitoring Device

Atmospheric microplastics were analyzed from 10 months of continuous inlet filter samples collected as part of routine NOx air quality monitoring in Hull, UK, providing size and composition data for urban atmospheric plastic particles. The study demonstrates that existing regulatory air quality monitoring infrastructure can be repurposed for ambient microplastic surveillance.

Airborne microplastic monitoring: Developing a simplified outdoor sampling approach using pollen monitoring equipment

Researchers adapted standard pollen monitoring equipment (Burkard spore traps) into a simplified outdoor airborne microplastic sampler, testing it as the first application of this approach for identifying and quantifying outdoor airborne microplastics. The modified setup successfully captured and characterized particles, demonstrating a low-cost method for expanding global airborne microplastic monitoring networks.

Insights into technical challenges in the field of microplastic pollution through the lens of early career researchers (ECRs) and a proposed pathway forward

A network of early-career microplastic researchers from the UK and China identified the major technical barriers holding back the field: difficulty obtaining representative samples, lack of access to clean labs and standardized equipment, poor comparability of data across studies, and insufficient training. The paper proposes practical solutions including open-access databases, shared training resources, and broader international collaboration. Addressing these infrastructure gaps is important because the quality and comparability of microplastic pollution data directly affects our ability to assess environmental and health risks.