Evaluación integral de los microplásticos presentes en la sangre humana y su relación con la edad y el sexo

Abstract

The project aimed to evaluate the characteristics of microplastics present in human blood and analyze their possible relationship with demographic variables such as age and sex. To this end, 32 blood samples from university students were analyzed. These samples were subjected to a protocol that included chemical digestion, ultrasound treatment, a modified Fenton reaction, and detection using Nile Red fluorescence microscopy, complemented by FTIR spectroscopy to confirm the chemical structure of the particles. The results showed the presence of microplastics in all the samples analyzed, with a predominance of polymers such as PET, PE, PP, and PS. In addition, slight descriptive differences were observed based on age and sex, although not statistically significant. This study provides local evidence on the exposure of young university students to microplastics and highlights the need to continue investigating their potential health effects and sources of everyday exposure.