Tag Archives: microplastics

Effective Science-Backed Method to Eliminate Microplastics from Your Body

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It’s a hard truth in today’s world, but research indicates that the average person ingests between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles annually through their food.

This startling statistic raises concerns about the implications for our health. How can we reconcile our reliance on plastic with research suggesting it poses both short- and long-term health risks?

A 2024 survey examined the presence of plastic in 16 different protein sources commonly consumed in the U.S. diet. Within these foods alone, an average meal was found to contain between 74 and 220 microplastic particles.

This figure doesn’t even include plastic debris from drink bottles or food containers, nor does it consider particles that can flake off cookware.

Microplastics are not limited to food; they have also been detected in drinking water, salt, rice, honey, and powdered supplements. They can leach from tea bags and dislodge from plastic cutting boards, while fruits and vegetables may absorb microplastics from contaminated soil and water.

Plastics are pervasive in our food system, and ongoing research aims to clarify their health impacts.

Studies, like those shared by Stanford researchers, indicate links between microplastic exposure and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and metabolic disorders.

In addition to potentially damaging tissues, microplastics may trigger inflammation, disrupt our microbiome, and expose us to harmful substances like PFAS, phthalates, and bisphenol A.

However, there’s a glimmer of hope. Researchers are exploring the idea that dietary fiber could help mitigate the accumulation of microplastics in our digestive systems.

A 2024 study suggests that the absorption properties of certain fibers can bind with microplastics in the intestines, promoting the excretion of these particles.

The hypothesis is that soluble and insoluble fibers form a gel-like barrier, preventing microplastics from crossing the intestinal wall into the bloodstream, instead escorting them out with waste.

While this mechanism requires further human study, a 2025 study by a Japanese research team indicated similar results in rats.

Researchers at Tokai University discovered that rats fed with chitosan—a specific type of fiber—excreted significantly more microplastics than those not fed this fiber.

“We confirmed that chitosan binds to microplastics,” stated Professor Muneshige Shimizu, who emphasized the potential for chitosan in various food applications as long as its structure remains intact.

Shimizu noted that not all fibers have demonstrated the same efficacy, highlighting the need for further research to identify which specific structures are beneficial.

In the meantime, other fibers may also mitigate health risks from microplastics. A study from Boston University showed that certain fiber supplements could aid in removing PFAS, harmful chemicals often found in plastics.

Researchers found that gel-forming fibers could function as magnets for PFAS in the intestines, helping to drive these substances out of the body.

Before you stock up on fiber-rich foods, it’s crucial to recognize that studies are still ongoing to determine which types of dietary fiber effectively remove plastics and PFAS.

Nonetheless, increasing fiber intake is widely encouraged for various health advantages, from improved cardiovascular health to reduced cancer risk.

While microplastics are a reality of modern life, there are strategies to minimize your exposure in the kitchen.

Dr. Lisa Zimmerman from the Food Packaging Forum advocates for purchasing fruits and vegetables from farmers’ markets and suggests avoiding plastic-lined disposable cups.

She also discourages microwaving plastic containers, as heat can increase particle release. Instead, she recommends using glass or ceramic.

“We can’t eliminate plastic entirely, but we strive to reduce our exposure,” she says.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Microplastics Increase Animals’ Appetite

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Nematode worms can learn to favor plastic-contaminated prey over cleaner food

Heiti Paves/Alamy

Predators can learn to prefer prey that is contaminated with microplastics, even when cleaner options are available. This behavior can impact the dietary habits and health of the entire ecosystem, including humans.

Researchers identified this preference for plastic by studying the dietary choices of small roundworms known as nematodes (caenorhabditis elegans) over multiple generations. Initially, first-generation nematodes opted for a cleaner diet when offered the usual bacteria and the same microorganisms tainted with microplastics. However, after repeated exposure to plastic-laden food across generations, their preferences shifted.

“They start to prefer contaminated foods,” notes Song Lin Chua from Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Why did the worms develop a taste for plastic? As creatures without vision, nematodes depend on other senses to locate food, such as olfactory cues. “Plastics may influence those odors,” explains Chua. After enduring prolonged exposure, they might start to perceive microplastics as “food-like” and subsequently choose to consume them. He theorizes that other small species which rely heavily on scent for locating prey may also be similarly perplexed.

Chua emphasizes that this behavior could potentially be reversed since it “mirrors a learned response” rather than being a genetic alteration. “It’s akin to a taste preference,” he states. In theory, this could be undone in future generations, though further research is necessary.

As one of the most prevalent animal types globally, the dietary choices of nematodes could have far-reaching implications for ecosystem health. “The interactions of organisms consuming one another are crucial for the recycling and transformation of various forms of matter and energy,” asserts Lee Demi from Allegheny University in Pennsylvania, who describes this finding as a source of “anxiety.”

“This could move up the food chain,” Chua warns. “Ultimately, we might be affected too,” he concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Why Filtering Microplastics from Your Blood is a Bad Idea

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Actor Orlando Bloom recently made headlines when it was reported that he was compensated a staggering £10,000 ($13,600) for the removal, separation, and filtration of his blood.

This dramatic treatment underscores the escalating concern surrounding a disquieting reality. It’s not solely about evading these minuscule particles.

Research indicates that microplastics are prevalent from the heights of Mount Everest to the depths of our brains. Their omnipresence, including in the media, raises pressing public scientific concerns regarding the safety of having microscopic plastic flakes adrift on our bodies.

Once thought of as harmless, microplastics are now linked to various illnesses. Should we be testing at this nascent stage and worrying about their impact on our bodies, especially considering the lack of scientific consensus? And are we really justifying lining up to “clean” our blood?

Plastic Proof

The term “microplastic” refers to plastic particles or fibers smaller than 5mm (0.19 inches). These particles are often minuscule, necessitating a microscope for proper observation.

Scientists also use the term “nanoplastic” for particles smaller than 0.001mm (39.4 microinches), which are difficult to detect even with advanced microscopy. Evidence suggests they can be released from plastic materials and disseminate into their environments.

My research group focuses on quantifying plastic and other particles in the air we breathe, both indoors and outdoors. In London, we have observed that airborne microplastics can penetrate deep into our lungs.

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To determine the presence of microplastics in the body, whole tissues or blood fragments are processed and filtered to concentrate the microplastic content. Analysis is conducted using chemical techniques that quantify plastic in a sample, or through physical and chemical methods, which count the number of plastic particles (along with their size and shape).

Each method has its merits, but they all share similar drawbacks. Modern laboratories are rife with microplastic pollution, laden with plastic consumables and the personnel that handle them.

This means that the very process of extracting and testing microplastic samples can lead to contamination. Consequently, samples often reveal microplastic particles that were previously considered too large to be absorbed and distributed throughout the body.

Some reports indicate that humans might consume an equivalent of one teaspoon of plastic daily.

Generally, particles smaller than 0.001mm (39.4 microinches) can traverse the lungs and enter the bloodstream. This occurs through the thin alveolar tissue in the lungs that separates the air-filled alveolar sacs from the small surrounding capillary blood vessels.

In the intestines, these minute particles can enter the lymph system, the bodily waste removal network. From there, the tiniest particles may enter the bloodstream and become larger aggregates trapped in the intestinal lining.

Thus, lab contamination may account for the larger plastics detected within the body.

Another complication arises because some biological components within samples emit signals resembling those of plastic. Specifically, fat can distort the signals from polyelectrolytes and polychlorinated compounds. If samples are not meticulously processed, this could lead to exaggerated estimates of the plastics present.

Taking all of this into account, the assumed high levels of microplastics in our bodies may be overstated. Variations in estimates range from nanograms to milligrams, influenced by factors like study methodology, location, tissue type, and analysis techniques.

Recent stringent research suggests an estimated 0.15µg (0.00000015g) of plastic per milliliter in our blood, amounting to less than the weight of a single human hair.

Moreover, this study predominantly focuses on polystyrene, the easiest microplastic to analyze.

Plastic People

Considering these levels, it may be more critical to focus on where microplastics accumulate in our bodies rather than their sheer quantity.

Nonetheless, accurately measuring microplastic accumulation in various body parts presents challenges. A recent study posits that the brain is a notable accumulation point, averaging around 4.5 bottle caps.

Not only are these levels considerably high, but the detected plastics largely consist of polyethylene, which poses complications in measurement due to its interaction with fat.

Hundreds of millions of tons of plastic are produced annually – Pexels

Polyethylene is the most widely produced plastic globally, with approximately 120 million tons manufactured each year, representing 25% of all plastics. Thus, it’s logical to find a higher concentration of this type in our bodies. However, the brain is composed of adipose tissue, making false positives a potential concern.

Furthermore, the research suggests that plastic levels in the brain surpass those in the liver, an organ responsible for cleansing blood. Expecting a high concentration of plastic in the body’s filtration organ would be reasonable.

Most studies investigating microplastics in human tissues focus on broad tissue-wide samples. This results in a lack of critical context regarding whether microplastics are embedded within cells or merely passing through.

Plastic Pure

Regardless of the exact measurements, public anxiety about microplastics remains high. Around two-thirds of 30,000 survey respondents from 31 countries express concern about microplastics in their bodies.

If you aim to minimize exposure to microplastic contamination, consider adopting a few lifestyle changes. Opt for natural fiber-based textiles in your home and clothing, avoid plastic packaging whenever feasible (especially when heat is involved), and refrain from running along quiet streets to dodge tire wear particles from traffic.

However, projections indicate that microplastic releases may rise 1.5-2.5 times by 2040. It’s likely that technology will soon emerge, claiming to eradicate microplastic invaders from our bodies.

Therapeutic apheresis — a medical process that separates blood and selectively removes harmful substances before returning the cleaned blood to the patient — has recently been commercialized for the removal of microplastics from the bloodstream.

However, there is scant public documentation on this microplastic removal method. A German study indicated that “microplastic-like” particles were detected in a patient’s plasma following the procedure. Without adequate lab controls and details regarding detected particle sizes, interpreting the significance of these findings is challenging.

Additionally, our understanding of the specific behavior of microplastics within the body remains limited. We lack clarity on whether they circulate freely in our plasma, adhere to red blood cells, or are contained within immune cells in the bloodstream.

In the absence of concrete evidence on the types of microplastics in our bodies, their pathways, or their interactions within the body, evaluating the health implications of these “blood-cleaning” efforts becomes nearly impossible.

Moreover, additional concerns may arise during treatment. One study documented 558 microplastics released from the cannula over a 72-hour period.

With all this taken into account, I intend to steer clear of the SF blood washing service in Hollywood until further studies emerge to clarify the impact of microplastics on our bodies and provide insight into their locations and functions.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Research Reveals Fenugreek and Okra Extracts Can Eliminate Up to 90% of Microplastics from Water Sources

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Researchers at Talton State University have discovered that extracts from okra and/or fenugreek can attract and eliminate as much as 90% of microplastics from sea, freshwater, and groundwater.

Srinivasan et al. We demonstrated that plant-based polysaccharides exhibited better microplastic removal efficiency than polyacrylamides commercially used in water treatment. Image credit: Srinivasan et al., doi: 10.1021/acsomega.4C07476.

Microplastics are emerging as significant pollutants that pose a threat to aquatic environments globally.

These solid polymers, measuring less than 5 mm, originate from larger plastic debris and the fragmentation of environmental emissions.

These contaminants not only inflict physical damage but also act as carriers for other harmful pollutants that cling to microplastics.

When consumed by organisms, these microparticles can lead to bioaccumulation and bioproliferation.

Conventional wastewater treatment methods using inorganic and organic polymer flocculants are not eco-friendly and can introduce toxicity.

Dr. Rajani Srinivasan and her team at Talton State University have been investigating a safe, plant-based strategy for attracting and eliminating contaminants from water sources.

In laboratory experiments, they found that okra, fenugreek, and tamarind polymers effectively adhered to microplastics, allowing them to aggregate and sink for easy separation from water.

To prepare the sticky plant polymer, sliced okra pods were soaked in separate containers of water overnight.

The resulting extracts were collected, dried, and ground into a powder.

Analysis revealed that the powdered extracts contained polysaccharides, which are natural polymers.

Initial tests on pure water contaminated with microplastics indicated: (i) One gram of any of the quart (1 liter) powders was highly effective in trapping microplastics. (ii) Dried okra and fenugreek extracts removed 67% and 93% of the plastic in one hour, respectively. (iii) A combination of equal parts okra and fenugreek powder reached a maximum removal efficiency of 70% within 30 minutes. (iv) Natural polymers proved significantly more effective than synthetic commercial polyacrylamide polymers typically used in wastewater treatment.

The researchers conducted tests using real water samples contaminated with microplastics.

They collected samples from various water sources around Texas and analyzed them in the lab.

The removal efficiency of plant extracts varied based on the original water source: okra was most effective in seawater (80%), fenugreek showed 80-90% efficiency in groundwater, and a 1:1 mixture of okra and fenugreek achieved 77% efficiency in freshwater.

The scientists suggest that natural polymers display different efficiencies due to the diversity of microplastic types, sizes, and shapes across water samples.

“While polyacrylamide is commonly used for contaminant removal in wastewater treatment, extracts from okra and fenugreek provide biodegradable and non-toxic alternatives,” they stated.

“Using these plant-based extracts for water treatment can eliminate microplastics and other pollutants without introducing additional toxins into the treated water, thereby reducing long-term health risks for the public,” Dr. Srinivasan added.

The team’s work has been published in the journal ACS Omega.

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Rajani Srinivasan et al. 2025. Fenugreek and okra polymers as therapeutic agents for removing microplastics from water sources. ACS Omega 10(15):14640-14656; doi:10.1021/acsomega.4C07476

Source: www.sci.news

Microplastics Could Impair the Ocean’s Carbon Capture Capacity

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Free divers surrounded by plastic pollution

Sebnem Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Microplastics are not merely present on the ocean’s surface. A comprehensive study on small particles has shown their widespread presence throughout the water column, potentially impacting the ocean’s capacity to sequester carbon from the atmosphere.

“There are countless entities like this all across the ocean’s interior,” states Tracy Mincer from Florida Atlantic University.

Mincer and his team analyzed microplastic data collected over the last decade from nearly 2,000 global locations. While many assessments concentrate on shallow ocean surfaces, their dataset incorporated samples from various depths, including some of the ocean’s deepest regions.

The researchers found microplastics documented precisely where research efforts were focused. This includes the Mariana Trench, where more than 13,000 microplastic particles were recorded, nearly 7 kilometers per cubic meter.

They were taken aback by the uniform distribution of the smallest particles throughout the water column. “While we anticipated finding plastics at both the ocean’s surface and its depths, they were unexpectedly widespread,” remarked Aron Stubbins from Northeastern University, Massachusetts.

Additionally, these plastic polymers contribute significantly to the carbon particles present in the water. At a depth of 2,000 meters, an area less biologically active than the surface, they account for 5% of the carbon content.

The ecological ramifications of these findings are not yet fully understood. One major concern is that buoyant plastics consumed by plankton may decrease the amount of carbon that is effectively transported to deeper layers through fecal pellets and carcasses. This could impede the ocean’s biological carbon pumps, says Stubbins. However, he emphasizes that quantifying the impact of this phenomenon remains a challenge. “We are uncovering a variety of plastics throughout the ocean,” he notes.

“We can no longer afford to overlook the insights of chemists and biologists in understanding how vast ocean systems operate,” stated Douglas McCauley from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He believes this research will clarify the discrepancies between estimates of millions of tons of plastic entering the oceans and the actually measured quantities. “Sadly, it’s not vanishing. Instead, it has dispersed throughout the water as microplastics,” he adds.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Discover the unusual pathways microplastics can enter your body

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Studies have shown the alarming extent of microplastics traveling through our bodies.

Scientists have discovered tiny plastic particles in various parts of the human body, such as the lungs, testicles, placenta, and even breast milk. The ingestion and inhalation of microplastics can lead to allergic reactions, inflammation, and an increased risk of certain diseases. You can find more information here.

There are concerns about the possibility of absorbing plastic through the skin when washing synthetic clothing, as it emits microplastics that are smaller than 5 mm. Research is ongoing to determine if there are any risks associated with skin contact with plastic fibers. While the skin is a natural barrier that protects us from the outside world, there is evidence suggesting that some chemical additives in certain products can be absorbed into the skin. Learn more here.

It is generally believed that microplastics cannot penetrate the outermost layer of the skin – Credit: Svetlozar Hristov

While microplastics can get trapped in hair follicles and wrinkles, they are not thought to be able to reach other parts of the body through the bloodstream. Some flame retardants in various products have been shown to pass through the skin barrier and enter the bloodstream, albeit in low levels. Find out more here.

This article addresses the question posed by Natalie Reid from London: Can plastics and chemicals be absorbed through the skin?

If you have any inquiries, please contact us at: questions@sciencefocus.comor reach out to us via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (remember to include your name and location).

Discover more fun facts and amazing science content on our site.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Could Makeup Contain Harmful Microplastics? A Scientist’s Perspective

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The cosmetics industry is a thriving sector. The European market is projected to reach 96 billion euros in 2023, with the UK being the fourth largest consumer at 11 billion euros after Italy, France, and Germany.

Both men and women are increasingly using cosmetics on a daily basis, and this trend looks set to continue. However, there are concerns about the safety of the ingredients used in these products.

In the European Union and other regions, ingredients in cosmetics are subject to strict regulations. Only approved ingredients are allowed, and this list is regularly updated based on new scientific findings.

The process of banning certain ingredients from cosmetics in Europe is overseen by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA). The agency first notifies about its intention to restrict certain chemicals, followed by a call for evidence where stakeholders provide data on the safety of the chemicals in question.

After thorough evaluation by scientific committees, recommendations are made, and a final decision is reached by the European Commission, a process that can take several years.

Companies are informed about upcoming regulatory changes so they can voluntarily replace substances that will be restricted in the future. An example is the ban on plastic microbeads, which were promptly removed from products ahead of the ban.

However, plastic remains a common ingredient in cosmetics, especially in leave-in products. Although not included in the microbead ban, these products will be phased out over the next seven years as part of the EU’s restrictions on the use of microplastics.

Microplastics are a concern due to their potential harm to humans, mainly because of their small size and persistence in the environment. There are also worries about the presence of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics, which have raised health concerns.

The use of PFAS in cosmetics is limited, but there are potential ways for them to enter products unintentionally. Regulations are in place to phase out PFAS in cosmetics, and efforts are being made to ensure consumer safety.

What Does the Future Hold for Cosmetics?

Considering the small percentage of products containing PFAS and the ongoing efforts to phase them out, restrictions on the use of PFAS in cosmetics are not expected to greatly impact the industry.

Regulatory bodies are actively working to phase out harmful chemicals from cosmetics and ensure product safety. Consumers can stay informed by checking ingredient labels, utilizing databases like cosmile, and using apps to identify potential health risks in cosmetics.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

80% of microplastics can be removed from tap water by boiling it.

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Most microplastics in tap water can be removed by boiling.

Yuri Nedopekin/Alamy

Boiling tap water before use can remove at least 80 percent of the potentially harmful small plastic particles it contains.

Nanoplastics and microplastics (NMPs) are pieces of plastic such as polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene that range in diameter from 0.001 to 5 millimeters. Although the health effects are still being studied, researchers suspect they may be harmful to humans.

Eddie Zen and colleagues from China's Jinan University took samples of tap water and measured levels of NMP and found that the average concentration was 1 milligram per liter. The samples were then boiled for 5 min and then cooled. NMP levels were then remeasured and found to have decreased by more than 80%.

“NMP intake from boiled water consumption was estimated to be two to five times lower than the daily intake from tap water,” Zeng said. “This simple but effective boiling water strategy can 'decontaminate' NMPs from household tap water and potentially harmlessly reduce human exposure to NMPs through water consumption.”

Zeng said NMP was removed by being incorporated into the crystalline structure of limescale, which is formed from calcium in the water. Hard water, which contains more calcium, removed more particles than soft water, which contains less calcium.

Bringing water to its boiling point was a major contributing factor to how efficiently these crystal structures were created. “Boiling water has several other benefits, including killing bacteria and parasites and removing traces of heavy metals,” he says.

“The way they demonstrated how things are deposited through the boiling process was amazing,” he says. caroline goshott lindsay At the University of Glasgow, UK. But the world should seek to solve the problem of microplastics in drinking water long before they reach homes, she added. “We should consider modifying drinking water treatment plants to remove microplastics,” she says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com