Detection of microplastics in human colectomy specimens
YS Ibrahim, S Tuan Anuar, AA Azmi…�- JGH open, 2021 - Wiley Online Library
JGH open, 2021•Wiley Online Library
Abstract Background and Aim While dietary exposure to microplastics is increasingly
recognized, it is unknown if ingested plastics remain within the digestive tract. We aimed to
examine human colectomy specimens for microplastics and to report the characteristics as
well as polymer composition of the particles. Methods Colectomy samples were obtained
from 11 adults (mean age 45.7, six males) who were residents of Northeastern Peninsular
Malaysia. Microplastics were identified following chemical digestion of specimens and�…
recognized, it is unknown if ingested plastics remain within the digestive tract. We aimed to
examine human colectomy specimens for microplastics and to report the characteristics as
well as polymer composition of the particles. Methods Colectomy samples were obtained
from 11 adults (mean age 45.7, six males) who were residents of Northeastern Peninsular
Malaysia. Microplastics were identified following chemical digestion of specimens and�…
Background and Aim
While dietary exposure to microplastics is increasingly recognized, it is unknown if ingested plastics remain within the digestive tract. We aimed to examine human colectomy specimens for microplastics and to report the characteristics as well as polymer composition of the particles.
Methods
Colectomy samples were obtained from 11 adults (mean age 45.7, six males) who were residents of Northeastern Peninsular Malaysia. Microplastics were identified following chemical digestion of specimens and subsequent filtration. The samples were then examined for characteristics (abundance, length, shape, and color) and composition of three common polymer types using stereo‐ and Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) microscopes.
Results
Microplastics were detected in all 11 specimens with an average of 331 particles/individual specimen or 28.1 � 15.4 particles/g tissue. Filaments or fibers accounted for 96.1% of particles, and 73.1% of all filaments were transparent. Out of 40 random filaments from 10 specimens (one had indeterminate spectra patterns), 90% were polycarbonate, 50% were polyamide, and 40% were polypropylene.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that microplastics are ubiquitously present in the human colon.
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