Microplastics and additives in patients with preterm birth: The first evidence of their presence in both human amniotic fluid and placenta

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) 2023-12, Vol.343, p.140301-140301, Article 140301
• Main Authors: Halfar, Jan, Čabanová, Kristina, Vávra, Karel, Delongová, Patricie, Motyka, Oldřich, Špaček, Richard, Kukutschová, Jana, Šimetka, Ondřej, Heviánková, Silvie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Additive; Amniotic fluid; Human health; Microplastics; Placenta; Preterm birth
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140301

Considering the well documented, almost ubiquitous nature of microplastics in different environments, the exposure of pregnant women to microplastics may pose risks to the unborn children. The study focused on investigating the presence of microplastics in amniotic fluid and placenta, and brings the first evidence of the simultaneous presence of microplastics and additives in both human amniotic fluid and placentas. In total, 20 samples of amniotic fluid and placenta from 10 patients were analyzed for the presence of microplastics and plastic additives by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy – attenuated total reflectance (FTIR–ATR) after alkaline digestion with KOH. In 9 out of 10 patients, microplastics or additives were found in amniotic fluid, placenta, or both. Specifically, 44 particles of microplastics and polymer additives were identified in all samples. Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) and Calcium zinc PVC Stabilizer with particle sizes between 10 and 50 μm prevailed. Although all women involved in this study, who provided placenta and amniotic fluid samples, experienced physiological, singleton pregnancies complicated with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM), it is too early to draw any conclusions and more research is needed. [Display omitted] •First evidence of microplastics and additives detected in amniotic fluid.•First study of microplastics and additives observed in both amniotic fluid and placenta.•All the selected patients gave birth prematurely.•Enhancing knowledge on microplastics transfer via blood-placenta-amniotic fluid-meconium.•Chlorinated polyethylene identified as the predominant material.•Most particles found in the 10–20 and 20–50 μm size categories.