Researchers at the University of Bayreuth want to find out the consequences of inhaled microplastics. In order to better understand them, they have conducted an interdisciplinary study to find out .
Microplastic
particles exposed to freshwater or saltwater environments are more likely than
original, non-exposed particles to be taken up into an animal s cells,
according to new research.
The
study offers new evidence that certain microplastics have more potential to
infiltrate animals bodies than previously thought – and this could be of
particular concern for aquatic animals.
Microplastics,
or tiny pieces of plastic, are everywhere, including Mount Everest. Over
time, plastics discarded by humans break down into small pieces and spread
across the environment, especially marine and freshwater ecosystems, and are
consumed by organisms including mussels and zebrafish.
But
so much about microplastics has not been studied, including whether particles
Microplastic particles find their way into living cells if exposed to natural aquatic environments
The environment is polluted by microplastics worldwide. The tiny particles enter food chains, and thereby the digestive systems of animals and humans; moreover, they can be inhaled. Instead of being excreted, small microplastics can be incorporated into the body tissue.
A research team at the University of Bayreuth has now discovered that microplastic particles find their way into living cells more easily if they were exposed to natural aquatic environments, i.e. fresh water and seawater.
Biomolecules occurring in the water are deposited on the microplastic surfaces, which promote the internalization of the particles into cells. The researchers present their results in
The environment is polluted by microplastics worldwide.
The environment is polluted by microplastics worldwide. The tiny particles enter food chains, and thereby the digestive systems of animals and humans; moreover, they can be inhaled. Instead of being excreted, small microplastics can be incorporated into the body tissue. A research team at the University of Bayreuth has now discovered that microplastic particles find their way into living cells more easily if they were exposed to natural aquatic environments, i.e. fresh water and seawater. Biomolecules occurring in the water are deposited on the microplastic surfaces, which promote the internalization of the particles into cells. The researchers have presented their results in the journal Science Advances .
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IMAGE: Anja Ramsperger M. Sc. uses a fluorescence microscope to examine the cellular uptake of microplastic particles from fresh or seawater. view more
Credit: Photo: UBT. / Chr. Wissler
The environment is polluted by microplastics worldwide. The tiny particles enter food chains, and thereby the digestive systems of animals and humans; moreover, they can be inhaled. Instead of being excreted, small microplastics can be incorporated into the body tissue. A research team at the University of Bayreuth has now discovered that microplastic particles find their way into living cells more easily if they were exposed to natural aquatic environments, i.e. fresh water and seawater. Biomolecules occurring in the water are deposited on the microplastic surfaces, which promote the internalization of the particles into cells. The researchers present their results in