Bioaccumulation of Microplastics in Decedent Human Brains
A study found that microplastics accumulate more in human brains than in other organs, with concentrations rising significantly from 2016 to 2024, predominantly consisting of polyethylene, raising health concerns.
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A study assessed the bioaccumulation of microplastics in human brains using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Autopsy samples from decedents in Albuquerque, NM, collected in 2016 and 2024, were analyzed to compare microplastic concentrations in the brain, liver, and kidneys. Results indicated that the brain had significantly higher concentrations of microplastics than the other organs, with levels rising from 3,057 μg/g in 2016 to 4,806 μg/g in 2024. Polyethylene was the most prevalent polymer found, constituting 74% of the brain's microplastic content, compared to 44-57% in liver and kidney samples. The study also noted a general increase in microplastic concentrations across all organs over the years. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of nanoscale particles, predominantly aged, shard-like plastics. The findings highlight the selective accumulation of microplastics in the human brain and raise concerns about the potential health implications of increasing microplastic exposure.
- Microplastics accumulate more in human brains than in liver or kidney tissues.
- Concentrations of microplastics in the brain increased significantly from 2016 to 2024.
- Polyethylene was the dominant polymer found in brain samples.
- The study utilized advanced Py-GC/MS techniques for accurate quantification of microplastics.
- The presence of nanoscale microplastics in human tissues raises health concerns.
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- Many commenters express alarm over the increasing concentration of microplastics in the brain, with some citing specific statistics from the study.
- There is skepticism about the lack of comprehensive research on the health effects of microplastics, with suggestions that the issue is being ignored due to economic interests.
- Commenters highlight the pervasive nature of microplastics in the environment, questioning how individuals can avoid exposure.
- Some speculate on potential health implications, including links to chronic diseases and developmental issues like autism.
- Concerns are raised about the methodology of the study and the implications of the findings, particularly regarding the blood-brain barrier.
21 commentsThe only good news is that apparently the brain can clear these particles; the problem is that there is a steadily increasing amount of exposure which means that rather than clearance, there is accumulation.
Brains were 0.5% plastic by weight? The highest value was nearly 1% plastic.
That seems hard to believe.
Aren't plastics by design long chains of molecules? 1 nm is like a handful of atoms at most afaik. How small do plastics get?
"you think your job is bad, kaitlyn? get a load of what dr. campen's got me doing this week!"
I wonder if this correlates with the rise in the use of 'compostable' (i.e. weaker) plastics, that are more likely to break down during use.
27 organ material samples from 2016 and 24 samples from 2024 - but they don't say if they're from different people. I assume they are but it's not stated.
Just wondering how much the increased age would have contributed to differences between the two years.
This different paper talks about this approach and its limitations: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8929/1/2/16
"Prior to Pyr-GC/MS analysis, environmental samples undergo purification steps to isolate MP from the environmental matrix. However, this purification is not complete, and several organic and mineral constituents survive these treatment steps, especially in complex matrices such as sediments or soils. Hurley et al. [15] reported that the efficiency of removing organic matter from soil varied from 34% to 108% depending on the used reagent (H2O2, Fenton’s reagent, NaOH, KOH). These remaining particles will hamper the characterization and quantification of MP particles through Pyr-GC/MS. Upon thermal cracking, the polymers release pyrolysis products of lower molecular weight. Some of these products are defined as indicator compounds when they allow the detection of targeted polymers. However, some constituents of the remaining natural organic matter may release the same pyrolysis products as the targeted polymers [15,16,17,18], hence a potential MP overestimation. The identification of pyrolysis products that are specific to the targeted polymers is therefore necessary."
Sounds like the detection methods and methodology for microplastics are evolving. It is plausible that the amounts are materially over estimated.
Another thing that seems implausible is the increase between 2016 and 2024? "our finding that total plastics mass concentration in brains increased over 50% in the past 8 years.". 50% in 8 years! Is the world really that different in terms of plastic exposure 2024 vs. 2016. Unless something has fundamentally changed with the food supply in this period how can this be possible? Plastic production is increasing (https://www.statista.com/statistics/282732/global-production...) but for a 50% increase in this period something would have to have fundamentally changed with exposure routes in this period.
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