(219) Microplastic and Microparticle Pollutants in Fetal Growth Disorders

Microplastic and microparticle pollutants have been increasingly detected in a variety of human tissues including lung, gut, kidney, atherosclerotic plaque and the placenta. The effects of these microparticles on human health, reproduction, and development are poorly understood. We aimed to examine if the accumulation of microparticle pollutants contributes to fetal growth disorders.

Study Design: To investigate the effects of microplastics (MPs) and micropollutants on fetal growth disorders 150 term placenta samples were retrieved for analysis from the Hawaii Reproductive Biospecimen Repository. Samples were matched by gestational outcomes and clinical data. Samples included controls (n=50), macrosomia (n=50), and fetal growth restriction (n=50). Samples were weighted (~13g), washed in glass-microfiltered water, and digested in glass-microfiltered 10% KOH solution for 7 days at room temperature. A rigorous environmental control protocol was utilized, where biospecimen tube effluents, bench-air-exposed glass filters, and working solution controls were analysed. Digested tissue was glass-filtered and microparticles identified with Micro Raman spectroscopy and analysed with Know-it-all software. ANOVA, T-test, and descriptive analysis were performed were appropriate.

Results:

Microplastic particles, polymeric dyes, and inorganic dyes were identified among all groups. Our analysis revealed no differences between the FGR and the control group. The macrosomia samples on the other hand showed a significantly higher incidence of inorganic dye particles compared to the control samples (p  < .001).

Conclusion:

Our study reveals that microparticle pollutant accumulation, and in particular inorganic dyes may be associated with certain fetal growth disorders such as in macrosomia. Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and effects of microplastics and microparticles on placental and fetal health.