Analysis of Microplastics in Human Feces Reveals a Correlation between Fecal Microplastics and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Status

Environmental Science & Technology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 56(1), P. 414 - 421

Published: Dec. 22, 2021

Human ingestion of microplastics (MPs) is inevitable due to the ubiquity MPs in various foods and drinking water. Whether poses a substantial risk human health far from understood. Here, by analyzing characteristics feces patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) healthy people, for first time, we found that fecal MP concentration IBD (41.8 items/g dm) was significantly higher than people (28.0 dm). In total, 15 types were detected feces, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (22.3–34.0%) polyamide (8.9–12.4%) being dominant, their primary shapes sheets fibers, respectively. We present evidence indicating positive correlation exists between severity IBD. Combining questionnaire survey MPs, conclude plastic packaging water food dust exposure are important sources MPs. Furthermore, status suggests may be related process or exacerbates retention The relative mechanisms deserve further studies. Our results also highlight useful assessing potential risks.

Language: Английский

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A Review of Human Exposure to Microplastics and Insights Into Microplastics as Obesogens

Frontiers in Endocrinology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: Aug. 18, 2021

The ubiquitous exposure of humans to microplastics (MPs) through inhalation particles in air and ingestion dust, water, diet is well established. Humans are estimated ingest tens thousands millions MP annually, or on the order several milligrams daily. Available information suggests that indoor drinking water bottled plastic major sources exposure. Little known occurrence MPs human diet. Evidence accumulating feeding bottles medical devices can contribute newborns infants. Biomonitoring studies stool, fetus, placenta provide direct evidence infants children. <20 µm were reported cross biological membranes. Although plastics once perceived as inert materials, laboratory animals linked various forms inflammation, immunological response, endocrine disruption, alteration lipid energy metabolism, other disorders. Whereas itself a concern, also be additives toxicants. Exposure cell lines such phthalates, bisphenols, organotins causes adverse effects activation nuclear receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) α, β, γ, retinoid X receptor (RXR), leading oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity, thyroid hormone altered adipogenesis production. size, shape, chemical composition, surface charge, hydrophobicity influence their toxicity. Maternal transfer developing fetus has been demonstrated exposed analysis placenta. In animal studies, maternal metabolism offspring subsequent generations. Moreover, concomitant with global increase production, prevalence overweight obesity populations increased over past five decades, there support hypothesis potential obesogens. Even though exposures toxic from systematic this topic remain urgently needed.

Language: Английский

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Occurrence of Polyethylene Terephthalate and Polycarbonate Microplastics in Infant and Adult Feces

Environmental Science & Technology Letters, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 8(11), P. 989 - 994

Published: Sept. 22, 2021

Although human exposure to microplastics (MPs) and the health effects thereof are a global concern, little is known about magnitude of exposure. In this study, we quantitatively determined concentrations polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polycarbonate (PC) MPs in three meconium six infant 10 adult feces samples collected from New York State. PET PC were found some (at concentration ranges below limit quantification [

Language: Английский

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Micro(nano)plastics pollution and human health: How plastics can induce carcinogenesis to humans?

Chemosphere, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 298, P. 134267 - 134267

Published: March 14, 2022

Language: Английский

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The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health

Annals of Global Health, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 89(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

Plastics have conveyed great benefits to humanity and made possible some of the most significant advances modern civilization in fields as diverse medicine, electronics, aerospace, construction, food packaging, sports. It is now clear, however, that plastics are also responsible for harms human health, economy, earth's environment. These occur at every stage plastic life cycle, from extraction coal, oil, gas its main feedstocks through ultimate disposal into The extent these not been systematically assessed, their magnitude fully quantified, economic costs comprehensively counted.The goals this Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Human Health examine plastics' impacts across cycle on: (1) health well-being; (2) global environment, especially ocean; (3) economy; (4) vulnerable populations-the poor, minorities, world's children. On basis examination, offers science-based recommendations designed support development a Global Treaty, protect save lives.This report contains seven Sections. Following an Introduction, Section 2 presents narrative review processes involved production, use, notes hazards environment associated with each stages. 3 describes ocean potential enter marine web result exposure. 4 details health. 5 first-order estimate health-related costs. 6 examines intersection between plastic, social inequity, environmental injustice. 7 Commission's findings recommendations.Plastics complex, highly heterogeneous, synthetic chemical materials. Over 98% produced fossil carbon- oil gas. comprised carbon-based polymer backbone thousands additional chemicals incorporated polymers convey specific properties such color, flexibility, stability, water repellence, flame retardation, ultraviolet resistance. Many added toxic. They include carcinogens, neurotoxicants endocrine disruptors phthalates, bisphenols, per- poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), brominated retardants, organophosphate retardants. integral components many environment.Global production has increased almost exponentially since World War II, time more than 8,300 megatons (Mt) manufactured. Annual volume grown under Mt 1950 460 2019, 230-fold increase, track triple by 2060. More half all ever 2002. Single-use account 35-40% current represent rapidly growing segment manufacture.Explosive recent growth reflects deliberate pivot integrated multinational fossil-carbon corporations produce manufacture plastics. reducing fuels increasing manufacture. two principal factors decreasing demand due increases 'green' energy, massive expansion fracking.Plastic energy-intensive contributes significantly climate change. At present, estimated 3.7% greenhouse emissions, contribution Brazil. This fraction projected increase 4.5% 2060 if trends continue unchecked.The three phases: disposal. In carbon feedstocks-coal, gas, oil-are transformed energy-intensive, catalytic vast array products. Plastic use occurs aspect results widespread exposure contained plastic. constitute largest portion followed fibers construction.Plastic inefficient, recovery recycling rates below 10% globally. 22 waste enters year, much it single-use gigatons accumulated 1950. Strategies controlled uncontrolled landfilling, open burning, thermal conversion, export. Vast quantities exported year high-income low-income countries, where accumulates landfills, pollutes air water, degrades vital ecosystems, befouls beaches estuaries, health-environmental injustice scale. Plastic-laden e-waste particularly problematic.Plastics plastic-associated pollution. contaminate aquatic (marine freshwater), terrestrial, atmospheric environments destination found throughout ocean, including coastal regions, sea surface, deep sea, polar ice. appear resist breakdown could persist decades. Macro- micro-plastic particles identified hundreds species major taxa, consumed humans. Trophic transfer microplastic within them demonstrated. Although themselves (>10 µm) undergo biomagnification, hydrophobic bioaccumulate animals biomagnify webs. amounts fates smaller nanoplastic (MNPs <10 poorly understood, but harm worrying given mobility biological systems. Adverse pollution multiple levels molecular biochemical population ecosystem. MNP contamination seafood direct, though well chemicals. Marine endangers ecosystems upon which depends food, oxygen, livelihood, well-being.Coal miners, workers field who extract suffer mortality traumatic injury, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, silicosis, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary lung cancer. risk leukemia, lymphoma, hepatic angiosarcoma, brain cancer, breast mesothelioma, neurotoxic decreased fertility. Workers producing textiles die bladder interstitial disease rates. toxic metal poisoning, neuropathy, Residents "fenceline" communities adjacent sites experience risks premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, childhood cancer.During disposal, release additives residual monomers people. National biomonitoring surveys USA document population-wide exposures disrupt function births, neurodevelopmental disorders, male reproductive defects, infertility, obesity, renal cancers. Chemical-laden MNPs formed degradation can living organisms, Emerging, albeit still incomplete evidence indicates may cause toxicity physical toxicological effects acting vectors transport bacterial pathogens tissues cells.Infants womb young children populations high plastic-related effects. Because exquisite sensitivity early hazardous children's unique patterns exposure, linked prematurity, stillbirth, defects organs, impairment, impaired growth, Early-life non-communicable diseases later life.Plastic's We 2015 exceeded $250 billion (2015 Int$) globally, alone disability caused PBDE, BPA DEHP $920 Int$). (GHG) emissions equivalent 1.96 dioxide (CO2e) annually. Using US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) cost metric, we annual GHG be $341 Int$).These costs, large they are, certainly underestimate full losses resulting negative All costs-and costs-are externalized petrochemical manufacturing industry borne citizens, taxpayers, governments countries around world without compensation.The adverse economy evenly distributed. disproportionately affect disempowered, marginalized workers, racial ethnic communities, Indigenous groups, women, children, whom had little do creating crisis lack political influence or resources address it. Plastics' harmful keenly felt South, small island states, disenfranchised areas North. Social justice (SEJ) principles require reversal inequitable burdens ensure no group bears disproportionate share those benefit economically bear fair currently costs.It clear sustainable societal injustices.The driver worsening exponential accelerating production. further magnified long persistence environment.The plastics-monomers, additives, processing agents, non-intentionally substances-include amongst number known disruptors, neurotoxicants, persistent organic pollutants. planetary leach out plastics, pollution, disease. efforts reduce must chemicals.To at-risk populations, put end 2040, supports urgent adoption nations strong comprehensive Treaty accord mandate set forth March 2022 resolution United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).International measures needed curb because transcend national boundaries, scale, well-being people poorest nations. Effective implementation will international action coordinated complemented interventions national, regional, local levels.This urges cap targets, timetables, contributions central provision Treaty. recommend inclusion following provisions:The needs extend beyond microplastics litter plastics.The banning severely restricting unnecessary, avoidable, problematic items, items manufactured microbeads.The requirements extended producer responsibility (EPR) make producers, manufacturers products legally financially safety end-of-life management materials sell.The reductions complexity products; health-protective standards additives; requirement non-toxic materials; disclosure components; traceability components. International cooperation essential implementing enforcing standards.The SEJ remedies fill gaps community knowledge advance both distributional procedural equity.This encourages calling exploration listing least pollutants (POPs) Stockholm Convention.This interface Basel London Conventions enhance slow exports least-developed countries.This recommends creation Permanent Science Policy Advisory Body guide Treaty's implementation. priorities would Member States other stakeholders evaluating solutions effective consumption, enhancing recycling, curbing generation waste. assess trade-offs among evaluate safer alternatives monitor transnational export coordinate robust oceanic-, land-, air-based monitoring programs.This investment research crisis. need determine cost-effective context particular proposed solutions. Oceanographic better measure concentrations µm understand distribution fate Biomedical elucidate MNPs.This finds boon stealth threat enormous benefits, linear pay attention design safe near absence recovery, reuse, grave damage, injustices. worsening.While there remain about uncertainties magnitude, available today demonstrates unequivocally severity intervention Manufacture continue. However, reckless ever-increasing unnecessary products, curbed.Global against failure act immense.

Language: Английский

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Polystyrene microplastics induce hepatotoxicity and disrupt lipid metabolism in the liver organoids

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 806, P. 150328 - 150328

Published: Sept. 15, 2021

Language: Английский

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Environmental health impacts of microplastics exposure on structural organization levels in the human body

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 825, P. 154025 - 154025

Published: Feb. 22, 2022

Language: Английский

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Pathways of human exposure to microplastics, and estimation of the total burden

Current Opinion in Food Science, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 39, P. 144 - 151

Published: Jan. 27, 2021

Plastic production is continuously growing and their wastes contaminate practically all environmental niches. In the environment, large plastics undergo continuous degradation processes generating a broad amount of microplastics nanoplastics (MNPLs) that spread through air, land, seas. Thus, humans suffer chronic exposures to MNPLs different pathways: ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact. Here, we have reviewed recently published data regarding human exposure MNPLs. The total load plastic particles are exposed has been estimated based on these newly reported studies. This analysis novel literature shows despite ingestion most studied route exposure, other routes contact with should not be underestimated. At same time, gaps investigation detected, as well lack robust standardized protocols, operating procedures, methodologies detect/quantify MNPL in human/biological matrices.

Language: Английский

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Microplastic removal in conventional drinking water treatment processes: Performance, mechanism, and potential risk

Water Research, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 202, P. 117417 - 117417

Published: July 7, 2021

The effectiveness of traditional drinking water treatment plants for the removal Microplastics (MPs) in size range tens micrometers is currently uncertain. This study investigated behavior and efficiency four different sized polystyrene MPs (10−90 μm diameter) a simulated cascade coagulation/sedimentation, sand filtration, UV-based oxidation over technically relevant time frames. In coagulation filtration steps, larger MP size, better it was removed. coagulant type characteristics (i.e., pH presence natural organic matter) influenced MPs. X-ray microcomputed tomography technique two-site kinetic modeling were used to identify mechanisms involved filtration. > 20 could be completely retained by straining, while attachment surface likely responsible retention < μm. However, approximately 16% 10 injected passed through sand, which further fragmented UV oxidation. UV/H2O2 promoted fragmentation chemical leaching more significantly than treatment, resulting higher toxicity UV/H2O2-treated water. Our findings pave way deeper understanding how behave transform sequential process.

Language: Английский

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Antibiotic sorption onto microplastics in water: A critical review of the factors, mechanisms and implications

Water Research, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 233, P. 119790 - 119790

Published: Feb. 24, 2023

Microplastics as vectors for contaminants in the environment is becoming a topic of public interest. have been found to actively adsorb heavy metals, per-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) polybrominated diethers (PBDs) onto their surface. Particular interest microplastics capacity antibiotics needs further attention due potential role this interaction plays on antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic sorption experiments documented literature, but data has not yet critically reviewed. This review aims comprehensively assess factors that affect microplastics. It recognised physico- chemical properties polymers, properties, solution all play crucial Weathering was increase by up 171%. An salinity decrease microplastics, some instances 100%. pH also substantial effect capacity, illustrating significance electrostatic interactions The need uniform experimental design when testing highlighted remove inconsistencies currently presented. Current literature examines link between resistance, however, studies are still required fully understand emerging global crisis.

Language: Английский

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