Discovery and analysis of microplastics in human bone marrow

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Human Health

Background:

• Human exposure to microplastics (MPs) is a growing concern.
• MPs have been found in various human organs, but bone marrow data was lacking.
• Understanding MP presence in bone marrow is crucial for assessing health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detect and quantify microplastics (MPs) in human bone marrow samples.
• To characterize the size, morphology, and polymer types of MPs in bone marrow.
• To establish the presence of MPs in human bone marrow for the first time.

Main Methods:

• Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) for MP concentration.
• Laser Direct Infrared Spectroscopy (LD-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for characterization.
• Analysis of 16 human bone marrow samples.

Main Results:

• Microplastics (MPs) were detected in all 16 bone marrow samples (average concentration: 51.29 µg/g).
• Five polymer types identified: polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poly(amide 66) (PA66), and polypropylene (PP).
• PE was most frequent (93.75% detection), while PS had 100% detection; 89.82% of MPs were <100 µm.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first evidence of microplastic (MP) presence in human bone marrow.
• The findings highlight potential toxicological impacts on the hematopoietic system.
• Further research is needed to understand MP mechanisms and health effects in bone marrow.