Micro Nano Plastics Research Articles

Concerning influences of micro/nano plastics on female reproductive health: focusing on cellular and molecular pathways from animal models to human studies.

The female reproductive system can face serious disorders and show reproductive abnormalities under the influence of environmental pollutants. Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) as emerging pollutants, by affecting different components of this system, may make female fertility a serious challenge. Animal studies have demonstrated that exposure to these substances weakens the function of ovaries and causes a decrease in ovarian reserve capacity. Also, continuous exposure to micro/nano plastics (MNPs) leads to increased levels of reactive oxygen species, induction of oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, apoptosis of granulosa cells, and reduction of the number of ovarian follicles. Furthermore, by interfering with the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, these particles disturb the normal levels of ovarian androgens and endocrine balance and delay the growth of gonads. Exposure to MNPs can accelerate carcinogenesis in the female reproductive system in humans and animal models. Animal studies have determined that these particles can accumulate in the placenta, causing metabolic changes, disrupting the development of the fetus, and endangering the health of future generations. In humans, the presence of micro/nanoplastics in placenta tissue, infant feces, and breast milk has been reported. These particles can directly affect the health of the mother and fetus, increasing the risk of premature birth and other pregnancy complications. This review aims to outline the hazardous effects of micro/nano plastics on female reproductive health and fetal growth and discuss the results of animal experiments and human research focusing on cellular and molecular pathways.

Effects of the co-exposure of microplastic/nanoplastic and heavy metal on plants: Using CiteSpace, meta-analysis, and machine learning

Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) and heavy metals (HMs) coexist worldwide. Existing studies have reported different or even contradictory toxic effects of co-exposure to MNPs and HMs on plants, which may be related to various influencing factors. In this study, existing publications were searched and analyzed using CiteSpace, meta-analysis, and machine learning. CiteSpace analysis showed that this research field was still in the nascent stage, and hotspots in this field included accumulation, cadmium (Cd), growth, and combined toxicity. Meta-analysis revealed the differential association of seven influencing factors (MNP size, pollutant treatment duration, cultivation media, plant species, MNP type, HM concentration, and MNP concentration) and 8 physiological parameters receiving the most attention. Co-exposure of the two contaminants had stronger toxic effects than HM treatment alone, and phytotoxicity was generally enhanced with increasing concentrations and longer exposure durations, especially when using nanoparticles, hydroponic medium, dicotyledons producing stronger toxic effects than microplastics, soil-based medium, and monocotyledons. Dry and fresh weight analysis showed that co-exposure to MNPs and Cd resulted in significant phytotoxicity in all classifications. Concerning the MNP types, polyolefins partially attenuated plant toxicity, but both modified polystyrene (PS) and biodegradable polymers exacerbated joint phytotoxicity. Finally, machine learning was used to fit and predict plant HM concentrations, showing five classifications with an accuracy over 80 %, implying that the polynomial regression model could be used to predict HM content in plants under complex pollution conditions. Overall, this study identifies current knowledge gaps and provides guidance for future research.

Mechanisms of eco-corona effects on micro(nano)plastics in marine medaka: Insights into translocation, immunity, and energy metabolism

Biomolecules, prevalent in the marine environment, can readily adsorb onto the surface of micro(nano)plastics (MNPs), forming eco-corona. This study indicated that 50 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (NP50), whether wrapped with eco-corona or not, can passively enter embryos, whereas 5 µm polystyrene microplastics (MP5) cannot. Additionally, translocation of MP5 from the intestine to the liver was observed in larvae, a process facilitated by eco-corona. Notably, eco-corona prolonged the retention time of MNPs in larvae. However, NP50 was more challenging to purify than MP5, irrespective of the presence of eco-corona. Interestingly, eco-corona degraded in the intestine during the uptake of MNPs, and the hard coronae that readily formed on NP50 may restrict the degradation rate. Although NP50 significantly disrupted larval microbiota homeostasis compared with MP5, eco-corona was more likely to exacerbate MP5′s damage to the intestine and liver by disrupting microbiota homeostasis. Additionally, NP50 caused more significant damage to immunity and energy metabolism compared with MP5, regardless of the presence of eco-corona. This study revealed that previously overlooked biomolecules in the marine environment can enhance the translocation of MNPs and subsequently exacerbate their toxic effects, providing theoretical support for assessing the ecological risks of MNPs in real environments.

UV-B radiation aging changed the environmental behavior of polystyrene micro-/nanoplastics-adsorption kinetics of BDE-47, plankton toxicities and joint toxicities with BDE-47

UV-B radiation acts as an important environmental factor for aging micro-/nanoplastics (MNPs) in the marine environments, while the effect of aged MNPs on plankton is lacking specific research. Referencing to the UV-B radiation intensity in natural environments (2.29W·m-2), we chose the floating polystyrene (PS) MNPs (50nm, 1 μm) as the research target in this study. The results indicated that UV-B radiation aging for 30 days led to a rougher surface, increased SBET, increased hydrophobicity, and decreased negative charges of PS MNPs. Correspondingly, aged MNPs increased their adsorption abilities for 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), especially for the initial stage. After UV-B radiation aging processes, the individual toxicities of the two sized MNPs on Thalassiosira pseudonana and Brachionus plicatilis both increased, while their joint toxicities with BDE-47 decreased on T. pseudonana but increased on B. plicatilis. The changes in toxicity were more pronounced in 1 μm PS MNPs under air-aged conditions. This study provided the data basis for evaluating the changes of MNPs environmental behaviors under UV-B radiation in the marine environments, with important ecological significance.

Multigenerational effects of combined exposure of triphenyltin and micro/nanoplastics on marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma): From molecular levels to behavioral response

In natural environments, micro/nanoplastics (MNP) inevitably coexist with various pollutants, making it essential to examine their combined toxicity and intergenerational effects on marine organisms. This study investigated the combined toxicity and intergenerational effects of exposure to triphenyltin (T), microplastics (M), nanoplastics (N), a combination of microplastics and triphenyltin (MT), and a combination of nanoplastics and triphenyltin (NT) on marine medaka. The results showed that all treatments had adverse and intergenerational effects on marine medaka. Regarding oxidative stress and energy metabolism, smaller sized plastic particles caused more significant damage to the organisms. However, MT inflicted greater gonadal system damage than NT, leading to imbalanced sex hormone levels. Additionally, T induced hyperactivity in fish, whereas MNP tended to induce behavioral depression. Notably, large plastic particles in the F0 generation had a more pronounced impact on depressive behaviors compared to smaller particles. These findings suggest that both individual and combined exposures to TPT and MNP can detrimentally affect marine medaka from the molecular to behavioral levels, posing risks to population sustainability. This study provided a robust theoretical foundation and deeper insights into the ecotoxicological impacts and risk assessments of coexisting pollutants.

Polystyrene nanoplastics mediate skeletal toxicity through oxidative stress and the BMP pathway in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The widespread presence of micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) has generated public concern. Studies have indicated that MNPs can accumulate in mammalian bones; however, research on the skeletal toxicity and underlying molecular mechanisms of MNPs in aquatic organisms remains limited. We subjected zebrafish embryos to three varying levels (1, 10, 100 μg/mL) of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) exposure over a period of 7 days in our research. The results revealed that PSNPs significantly reduced the body length and hatching rate of zebrafish, leading to skeletal deformities. mRNA level analysis showed significant upregulation of sp7, sparc, and smad1 genes transcription by PSNPs. Moreover, PSNPs markedly downregulated the mRNA levels associated with runx2a, bmp2a, and bmp4. Further investigations demonstrated that PSNPs dramatically increased ROS levels in zebrafish larvae, with significant downregulation of transcription levels of sod1 and cat genes, resulting in a sharp increase in transcription levels of apoptosis-related regulatory genes bcl-2 and bax. Furthermore, PSNPs led to a marked rise in Caspase 3 activity in zebrafish larvae, suggesting the initiation of apoptosis. PSNPs also notably inhibited alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity. Compared to a 4-day exposure, a 7-day exposure to PSNPs intensified abnormalities across multiple indicators. In summary, our research indicates that PSNPs cause significant oxidative stress in zebrafish larvae, resulting in apoptosis. Moreover, PSNPs disrupt the transcription of genes related to skeletal development through the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway, further disrupting skeletal development processes and ultimately resulting in skeletal deformities in zebrafish larvae. This study provides new insights into the skeletal toxicity of MNPs.

Polyethylene Micro/Nanoplastics Exposure Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Bronchial and Alveolar Epithelial Cells.

Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), which are widely spread in the environment, have gained attention because of their ability to enter the human body mainly through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, thus representing a serious health threat. Several studies have reported the presence of MNPs in lung tissue and the potential role of MNP inhalation in triggering lung fibrosis and tumorigenesis. However, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding the cellular response to MNPs composed of polyethylene (PE), one of the most common plastic pollutants in the biosphere. In this study, we investigated the effects of low/high concentrations of PE MNPs on respiratory epithelial cell viability and migration/invasion abilities, using MTT, scratch, and transwell assays. Morphological and molecular changes were assessed via immunofluorescence, Western blot, and qRT-PCR. We demonstrated that acute exposure to PE MNPs does not induce cellular toxicity. Instead, cells displayed visible morphological changes also involving actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Our data underlined the role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in triggering this process. Moreover, a remarkable increase in migration potential was noticed, in absence of a significant alteration of the cell's invasive capacity. The present study highlights the potential impact of PE MNPs inhalation on the human respiratory epithelium, suggesting a possible role in carcinogenesis.

Human exposure to micro/nano-plastics through vegetables, fruits, and grains – A predictive modelling approach

The emergence of human exposure (HE) to micro/nano-plastics (MN-P) via the food chain is a significant public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate HE from ingesting vegetables, fruits, and grains using linear regression models to analyse MN-P size-concentration relationships and bioaccumulation factors (BF). For Irish adults, the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of MN-Ps was calculated, considering potential internalisation in these foods, with a sensitivity analysis addressing variability and uncertainty. The simulated mean (SM) root stomatal diameter in selected plants was 620 nm, indicating the potential uptake of MN-Ps smaller than this size. The SM BF for vegetables was 24.24 for nanoplastics (NP). Limited NP data led to the use of metal nanoparticle (MNP) data, yielding an overall BF of 3.22 for pooled vegetables, fruits, and grains. Potential HE levels of MN-Ps in agricultural soil were simulated at 6.05 × 104 n/kg (SM), with predicted MN-P levels in edible plants at 1.47 × 106 n/kg of food products. The simulated EDI of MN-Ps through all crops was 1.62 × 103 n/kg bw/day, with vegetables contributing the most to MN-P exposure, followed by fruits and grains. Sensitivity parameters are ranked as MN-P abundance in soil > bioaccumulation factor > food consumption.

Contrasting the distribution kinetics of microplastics and nanoplastics in medaka following exposure and depuration

Direct ingestion of micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) results in significant accumulation in gastrointestinal (GI) tract of fish. The breathing process of fish makes MNPs easily retained in their gills. However, the uptake of MNPs in other fish organs remains largely unknown, let alone their kinetic processes. Herein, microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in vivo imaging and precise quantification in various tissues (GI tract, gill, liver, brain, eye, and skin) of seawater (SW)- and freshwater (FW)- acclimated medaka Oryzias melastigma were achieved at an environmentally relevant concentration. Subsequently, the distribution kinetics of MNPs was investigated over a 96-h uptake and 48-h depuration period. MNPs were quickly and mostly captured in GI tract and gill of O. melastigma, and then transferred to liver and brain likely via blood circulation. Such transport was more efficient for NPs as compared to MPs, as evidenced by the consistently higher bioconcentration factors in both SW and FW conditions. The detection of MNPs in eye and skin of O. melastigma was more of an adsorption process, although the specific mechanisms of adsorption and absorption process can hardly be clearly differentiated. This study presented distribution kinetics of MNPs in O. melastigma and highlighted their possible transportation among tissues.

Visual observation of polystyrene nano-plastics in grape seedlings of Thompson Seedless and assessing their effects via transcriptomics and metabolomics

Micro/nano-plastics (MNPs) are emerging non-point source pollutants that have garnered increasing attention owing to their threat to ecosystems. Studies on the effects of MNPs on horticultural crops are scarce. Specifically, whether MNPs can be absorbed and transported by grapevines have not been reported. To fill this gap, we added polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, 100 nm) to a hydroponic environment and observed their distribution in grape seedlings of Thompson Seedless (TS, Vitis vinifera L.). After 15 d of exposure, plastic nanospheres were detected on the cell walls of the roots, stems, and leaves using confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This indicated that PS-NPs can also be absorbed by the root system through the epidermis-cortex interface in grapevines and transported upward along the xylem conduit. Furthermore, we analyzed the molecular response mechanisms of TS grapes to the PS-NPs. Through the measurement of relevant indicators and combined omics analysis, we found that plant hormone signal transduction, flavonoid and flavonol biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and MAPK signaling pathway biosynthesis played crucial roles in its response to PS-NPs. The results not only revealed the potential risk of MNPs being absorbed by grapevines and eventually entering the food chain but also provided valuable scientific evidence and data for the assessment of plant health and ecological risk.

TORPP - Turtles, One Health Research & Plastic Pollution: A multidisciplinary consortium to evaluate the environmental and health impact of Micro/NanoPlastics (MNPs) pollution

Although the World Health Organization characterizes a One Health concern as one in which there is the capability to incorporate numerous disciplines to tackle health challenges threatening humans, animals and ecosystems, scientific efforts frequently remain compartmentalized. Here we report an original consortium, TORPP, spanning 16 disciplines, focused on Micro/NanoPlastics (MNPs) pollution as a One Health concern. Whereas the MNP topic has been largely studied in marine ecology, research effort remains scarce in human medicine. Equally, while marine ecology is highly skilled in MNP sampling and characterization, human medicine has developed pathophysiological concepts and tools that can be used more broadly to evaluate the health impact of MNPs. TORPP consortium propose that these strengths and knowledges must be transferred across fields of study to advance our understanding of MNP toxicity to organisms, by uniting integrative approaches (ecological, experimental and clinical) under a common conceptual and analytical framework.

Micro/Nanoplastic Exposure on Placental Health and Adverse Pregnancy Risks: Novel Assessment System Based upon Targeted Risk Assessment Environmental Chemicals Strategy.

Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), as emerging pollutants, have been detected in both the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta in pregnant women, and their reproductive toxicity has been demonstrated in in vivo and in vitro experimental models. The Targeted Risk Assessment of Environmental Chemicals (TRAEC) strategy has been innovatively devised to facilitate valid risk assessment, encompassing a comprehensive evaluation of reliability, correlation, outcome fitness, and integrity across four dimensions based on the included published evidence and our own findings. This study serves as an application case of TRAEC, with 40 items of research evidence on the toxicity of MNPs to the placenta, which were rigorously screened and incorporated into the final scoring system. The final score for this TRAEC case study is 5.63, suggesting a moderate-to-low risk of reproductive toxicity associated with MNPs in the placenta, which may potentially increase with decreasing particle size. It is essential to emphasize that the findings also report original data from assays indicating that exposure to high-dose groups (100 μg/mL, 200 μg/mL) of 50 nm and 200 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) induces HTR8/SVneo cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis, which lead to reproductive toxicity in the placenta by disrupting mitochondrial function. Overall, this study employed the TRAEC strategy to provide comprehensive insight into the potential reproductive health effects of ubiquitous MNPs.

Fluorescent labeling of micro/nanoplastics for biological applications with a focus on “true-to-life" tracking

The increased environmental presence of micro-/nanoplastics (MNPLs) and the potential health risks associated with their exposure classify them as environmental pollutants with special environmental and health concerns. Consequently, there is an urgent need to investigate the potential risks associated with secondary MNPLs. In this context, using “true-to-life” MNPLs, resulting from the laboratory degradation of plastic goods, may be a sound approach. These non-commercial secondary MNPLs must be labeled to track their presence/journeys inside cells or organisms. Because the cell internalization of MNPLs is commonly analyzed using fluorescence techniques, the use of fluorescent dyes may be a sound method to label them. Five different compounds comprising two chemical dyes (Nile Red and Rhodamine-B), one optical brightener (Opticol), and two industrial dyes (Amarillo Luminoso and iDye PolyPink) were tested to determine their potential for such applications. Using commercial standards of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPLs) with an average size of 170 nm, different characteristics of the selected dyes such as the absence of impact on cell viability, specificity for plastic staining, no leaching, and lack of interference with other fluorochromes were analyzed. Based on the overall data obtained in the wide battery of assays performed, iDye PolyPink exhibited the most advantages, with respect to the other compounds, and was selected to effectively label “true-to-life” MNPLs. These advantages were confirmed using a proposed protocol, and labeling titanium-doped PETNPLs (obtained from the degradation of milk PET plastic bottles), as an example of “true-to-life” secondary NPLs. These results confirmed the usefulness of iDye PolyPink for labeling MNPLs and detecting cell internalization.

Research Progress on Micro(nano)plastic-Induced Programmed Cell Death Associated with Disease Risks.

Due to their robust migration capabilities, slow degradation, and propensity for adsorbing environmental pollutants, micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) are pervasive across diverse ecosystems. They infiltrate various organisms within different food chains through multiple pathways including inhalation and dermal contact, and pose a significant environmental challenge in the 21st century. Research indicates that MNPs pose health threats to a broad range of organisms, including humans. Currently, extensive detection data and studies using experimental animals and in vitro cell culture indicate that MNPs can trigger various forms of programmed cell death (PCD) and can induce various diseases. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of different MNP-induced PCD processes, including pyroptosis, ferroptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, and apoptosis, based on recent research findings and focuses on elucidating the links between PCD and diseases. Additionally, targeted therapeutic interventions for these diseases are described. This review provides original insights into the opportunities and challenges posed by current research findings. This review evaluates ways to mitigate various diseases resulting from cell death patterns. Moreover, this paper enhances the understanding of the biohazards associated with MNPs by providing a systematic reference for subsequent toxicological research and health risk mitigation efforts.

Fabric structure and polymer composition as key contributors to micro(nano)plastic contamination in face masks

The surge in face mask use due to COVID-19 has raised concerns about micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) from masks. Herein, focusing on fabric structure and polymer composition, we investigated MNP generation characteristics, mechanisms, and potential risks of surgical polypropylene (PP) and fashionable polyurethane (PU) masks during their wearing and photoaging based on stereomicroscope, μ-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. Compared with new PP and PU masks (66 ± 16 MPs/PP-mask, 163 ± 83 MPs/PU-mask), single- and multiple-used masks exhibited remarkably increased MP type and abundance (600–1867 MPs/PP-mask, 607–2167 MPs/PU-mask). Disinfection exacerbated endogenous MP generation in masks, with washing (416 MPs/PP-mask, 30,708 MPs/PU-mask) being the most prominent compared to autoclaving (219 MPs/PP-mask, 553 MPs/PU-mask) and alcohol spray (162 MPs/PP-mask, 18,333 MPs/PU-mask). Photoaging led to massive generation of MPs (8.8 × 104–3.7 × 105 MPs/PP-layer, 1.0 × 105 MPs/PU-layer) and NPs (5.2 × 109–3.6 × 1013 NPs/PP-layer, 3.5 × 1012 NPs/PU-layer) from masks, presenting highly fabric structure-dependent aging modes as "fragmentation" for fine fiber-structure PP mask and "erosion" for 3D mesh-structure PU mask. The MNPs derived from PP/PU mask caused significant deformities of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. These findings underscore the potential adverse effects of masks on humans and aquatic organisms, advocating to enhance proper use and rational disposal for masks.

Etherification modified wood flour adsorbent for removal micro-/nanoplastics from waste water by electrostatic effect

Micro-/nano-plastics (MNPs) accumulate in water environment, which raise increasing threats to ecosystems and human health. There is a pressing need for sustainable biomass adsorbent materials to remove plastic fragments from environments. Herein, wood flour modified through etherification was synthesized to remove polystyrene (PS) micro- and nanoparticles of different sizes from wastewater, leveraging electrostatic effects. DLHCWF-300, an idea capturing material, demonstrated maximum adsorption efficiency of 99.3 %, 97.5 % and 98.6 % for polystyrene (PS) particles with diameters of 100 nm, 500 nm and 1 μm, respectively. The DLHCWF-300 also exhibited high tolerance on various water conditions (acidic, saline and organic dye environments) and adapted to complex properties of MNPs (different sizes, compositions and surface charges). Furthermore, the DLHCWF-300 treated water was compatible with crop cultivation, meeting the actual needs for wheat growth. The adsorbed PS MNPs can be used directly with wood flour in the preparation of wood-plastic composites. This study provides a new avenue for valorization of wood flour in water remediation through the efficient and straightforward separation of various types of plastic particles.

Monitoring Poly(methyl methacrylate) and Polyvinyl Dichloride Micro/Nanoplastics in Water by Direct Solid-Phase Microextraction Coupled to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

A simple, sustainable, and sensitive monitoring approach of micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) in aqueous samples is crucial since it helps in assessing the extent of contamination and understanding the potential risks associated with their presence without causing additional stress to the environment. In this study, a novel strategy for qualitative and quantitative determination of MNPs in water by direct solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was proposed for the first time. Spherical poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and irregularly shaped polyvinyl dichloride (PVDC) were used to evaluate the feasibility and performance of the proposed method. The results demonstrated that both PMMA and PVDC MNPs were efficiently extracted by the homemade SPME coating of nitrogen-doped porous carbons (N-SPCs) and exhibited sufficient thermal decomposition in the GC-MS injection port. Excellent extraction performances of N-SPCs coating for MNPs are attributed to hydrophobic cross-linking, electrostatic forcing, hydrogen bonding, and pore trapping. Methyl methacrylate was identified as the marker for PMMA, while 1,3-dichlorobenzene and 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene were the indicators for PVDC. Under the optimal extraction and decomposition conditions, the proposed method exhibited ultrahigh sensitivity, with a limit of detection of 0.0041 μg/L for PMMA and 0.0054 μg/L for PVDC. Notably, a programmed temperature strategy for the GC-MS injector was developed to discriminate and eliminate the potential interferences of intrinsic indicator compounds. Owing to the integration of sampling, extraction, injection, and decomposition into one step by SPME, the proposed method demonstrates exceptional sensitivity, eliminating the necessity for complex sample pretreatment procedures and the use of organic solvents. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied in the determination of PMMA and PVDC MNPs in real aqueous samples.

Biomass waste-assisted micro(nano)plastics capture, utilization, and storage for sustainable water remediation

Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) have become a significant environmental concern due to their widespread presence in the biosphere and potential harm to ecosystems and human health. Here, we propose for the first time a MNPs capture, utilization, and storage (PCUS) concept to achieve MNPs remediation from water while meeting economically productive upcycling and environmentally sustainable plastic waste management. A highly efficient capturing material derived from surface-modified woody biomass waste (M-Basswood) is developed to remove a broad spectrum of multidimensional and compositional MNPs from water. The M-Basswood delivered a high and stable capture efficiency of >99.1% at different pH or salinity levels. This exceptional capture performance is driven by multiscale interactions between M-Basswood and MNPs, involving physical trapping, strong electrostatic attractions, and triggered MNPs cluster-like aggregation sedimentation. Additionally, the invivo biodistribution of MNPs shows low ingestion and accumulation of MNPs in the mice organs. After MNPs remediation from water, the M-Basswood, together with captured MNPs, is further processed into a high-performance composite board product where MNPs serve as the glue for utilization and storage. Furthermore, the life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) results demonstrate the environmental friendliness and economic viability of our proposed full-chain PCUS strategy, promising to drive positive change in plastic pollution and foster a circular economy.

#2767 Micro(nano)plastics are exposed and bioaccumulated in human fetus—the first evidence from neonatal umbilical cord blood and urine

Abstract Background and Aims At present, the world population problem is increasingly serious, and the impact of environmental pollution on the health of pregnant women and fetuses is a global research focus. Among them, micro(nano)plastics (MNPs), as an emerging pollutant, has been confirmed by several animal experiments and in vitro human cell experiments to have biotoxic effects. Recent studies have shown that MNPs are found in human placenta, amniotic fluid, meconium, and other samples, but there is still a lack of direct evidence that MNPs can enter and bioaccumulate in the fetus. Method To initially explore the actual situation of neonatal exposure to MNPs, this study collected umbilical cord blood samples and postnatal urine samples from 6 healthy fetuses in Chengdu, Sichuan, China, and used pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and laser direct infrared spectroscopy (LDIR) to detect and analyze MNPs in samples. Results With an average abundance of 81.15 (40.71) μg/g, MNPs were found in 6 umbilical cord blood samples by Py-GC/MS. Polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) and polyamide 66 (PA66), 4 different types of MNPs were found, with PE content being the highest among them. By using LDIR, MNPs were found in 5 umbilical cord blood samples, with an average abundance of 17.39 (18.91) particles/g. Three different types of MNPs were found, they are acrylates (ACR), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP). MNPs particles were detected in 6 urine samples by PY-GC/MS, and the average abundance was 8.42 (4.70) μg/g. Two kinds of MNPs, PE and PVC, were detected, and the content of PE was higher. Conclusion The findings demonstrated that the contents and types of MNPs in umbilical cord blood samples were higher than those in urine samples. The levels of MNPs were correlated with the living habits of pregnant mothers, such as the frequency of ordering take-out food. In this study, through the detection of MNPs in umbilical cord blood and neonatal urine samples, we found the direct evidence of MNPs in the fetus for the first time, further confirmed that MNPs can enter the urine through renal metabolism, preliminarily explored the exposure and bioaccumulation effect of MNPs in the fetus, and analyzed the possible risks and related factors of exposure of MNPs during pregnancy, which provided a theoretical basis for in-depth study of the health impact of MNPs on pregnant women and fetuses.

#2550 Micro(nano)plastics in human urine: a surprising contrast between Chongqing's urban and rural regions

Abstract Background and Aims Microplastics (100 nm-5 mm) and nanoplastics (<100 nm) collectively referred to as micro(nano)plastics (MNPs), which are emerging pollutants all over the world. Environmental differences affect its distribution. The content of MNPs differs between urban and rural environments, according to previous studies. Method To understand the actual situation of human exposure to MNPs in various environments, this study collected 12 urine samples from volunteers in urban and rural regions of Chongqing and used pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and laser direct infrared spectroscopy (LDIR) to detect and analyze MNPs in urine. Results With an average abundance of 1.50 (2.31) mg/kg, MNPs were found in 9 samples by Py-GC/MS. Polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyamide 66 (PA66), three different types of MNPs were found, with PE content being the highest among them. By using LDIR, MNPs were found in 7 samples, with an average abundance of 15.17 (23.13) particles/kg. Five different types of MNPs were found, with acrylates (ACR) being the main type, followed by polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Conclusion The findings demonstrated that urban region had much greater levels and more types of MNPs in human urine than rural. Additionally, regular contact with plastic toys and the use of personal care products are linked to the presence of MNPs. The influence of environmental factors on the actual exposure of the human body to MNPs was preliminary explored in this study, and two different methods were used for the first time to simultaneously detect and analyze MNPs in human urine. This allowed for the feasibility of comprehensively and effectively quantitatively analyzing the actual exposure of the human body to MNPs, and also provided the theoretical foundation for further research on the harm of MNPs to human health in different environments.