Feasibility study for microplastics detection via human biomonitoring

Abstract

This study investigated the feasibility of implementing microplastics analyses in the Flemish HBM campaign for young people. The reliable measurement of the quantity and types of microplastics in human samples as a biomarker of internal exposure is essential to estimate human risks. The development of reliable measurement methods is a major challenge due to the diversity of shapes, sizes, composition, and origin of the particles. Several laboratories are working on developing promising measurement techniques. Such analytical methods can be of great value for analysing the effects through human biomonitoring (HBM), but for this, a good understanding of the most cost-efficient techniques and the factors that are important in the collection, storage, and processing of biological samples must be obtained. The knowledge of human exposure and health effects is still very limited. HBM is an ideal instrument to investigate human exposure levels and relate them to MP-related changes in biological mechanisms and health. Insights gained through HBM research can contribute to taking measures to protect public health. The challenge is to identify more validated methods for sampling and analysis so that microplastics research can be implemented.