Microplastics in ovarian function and ozone-based mitigation strategies: Emerging evidence and translational...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
• Emerging evidence shows MPs bioaccumulate in the human reproductive system, including follicular fluid, oocytes, placenta, and semen.
• Concerns exist regarding MPs' impact on fertility, gamete quality, and embryo development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on MPs in ovarian health.
• To explore the role of ozone-based treatments in reducing human exposure to MPs.
• To discuss engineering strategies for MP removal and their translational implications for fertility preservation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing studies on MP detection in reproductive tissues.
• Analysis of experimental data from animal models and in vitro human studies on MP toxicity mechanisms.
• Evaluation of laboratory, pilot-scale, and full-scale plant studies on ozone-based water and wastewater treatment efficacy for MP removal.

Main Results:

• MPs can induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, meiotic spindle disruption, and apoptosis, impairing fertilization and development.
• Ozonation, alone or combined with other treatments (e.g., GAC, filtration), can remove up to 96% of MPs.
• Ozone treatment increases MP hydrophilicity, promoting aggregation and removal, with smaller particles often removed more efficiently.

Conclusions:

• Ozone-based treatments present a viable strategy for mitigating environmental MP exposure before human contact.
• Further research is needed to link environmental MP reduction directly to improved reproductive outcomes.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for developing evidence-based public health interventions to protect fertility from MP contamination.