Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are contaminants of emerging concern due to their ubiquitous presence in the environment and potential health risks to humans. Inhalation exposure is a significant route of human exposure. Previous studies have reported MNPs in various biological samples such as faeces, blood, breastmilk, lungs, and liver. However, research on the accumulation of MNPs in key filtering organs such as lymph nodes, liver, and spleen remains limited. Additionally, there is a lack of investigation into background interference impacts on the accurate quantification of MNPs due to the complexity of biological sample matrices. This PhD research aims to develop reliable methods to reduce interferences from sample matrices and to investigate the accumulation of MNPs within major filtering organs resulting from inhalation exposure. This study will also assess the spatial and temporal trends of MNPs in an indoor controlled environment with known sources. The outcome of the study will improve the accuracy of MNPs quantification in biological samples and enhance overall understanding of MNPs accumulation in the human body.
Please note this is a PhD Student Progress review presentation.