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

Leonard, Sophie V. L.; Liddle, Catriona R.; Atherall, Charlotte A.; Chapman, Emma; Watkins, Matthew; Calaminus, Simon D. J.; Rotchell, Jeanette M.

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are an everyday part of life, and are now ubiquitous in the environment. Crucially, MPs have not just been found within the environment, but also within human bodies, including the blood. We aimed to provide novel information on the range of MP polymer types present, as well as their size and shape characteristics, in human whole blood from 20 healthy volunteers. Twenty-four polymer types were identified from 18 out of 20 (90 %) donors and quantified in blood, with the majority observed for the first time. Using an LOQ approach, five polymer types met the threshold with a lower mean ± SD of 2466 ± 4174 MP/L. The concentrations of plastics analysed in blood samples ranged from 1.84 − 4.65 μg/mL. Polyethylene (32 %), ethylene propylene diene (14 %), and ethylene–vinyl-acetate/alcohol (12 %) fragments were the most abundant. MP particles that were identified within the blood samples had a mean particle length of 127.99 ± 293.26 µm (7–3000 µm), and a mean particle width of 57.88 ± 88.89 µm (5–800 µm). The MPs were predominantly categorised as fragments (88 %) and were white/clear (79 %). A variety of plastic additive chemicals were identified including endocrine disrupting-classed phthalates. The procedural blank samples comprised 7 polymer types, that were distinct from those identified in blood, mainly resin (25 %), polyethylene terephthalate (17 %), and polystyrene (17 %) with a mean ± SD of 4.80 ± 5.59 MP/L. This study adds to the growing evidence that MPs are taken up into the human body and are transported via the bloodstream. The shape and sizes of the particles raise important questions with respect to their presence and associated hazards in terms of potential detrimental impacts such as vascular inflammation, build up within major organs, and changes to either immune cell response, or haemostasis and thrombosis.

Citation

Leonard, S. V. L., Liddle, C. R., Atherall, C. A., Chapman, E., Watkins, M., Calaminus, S. D. J., & Rotchell, J. M. (2024). Microplastics in human blood: Polymer types, concentrations and characterisation using μFTIR. Environment International, 188, Article 108751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108751

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 12, 2024
• Online Publication Date: May 14, 2024
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: May 30, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: May 30, 2024
• Journal: Environment International
• Print ISSN: 0160-4120
• Electronic ISSN: 1873-6750
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 188
• Article Number: 108751
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108751
• Keywords: Microplastic; Human blood; Human; μFTIR; Phthalate
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4677459