The Concentration of Microplastics in Different Age Groups

Ayiana Baynes, Justin Richerson, Marques Rutlin

Our interests in this topic

Microplastics are starting to be acknowledged as an increasing threat because the presence of these particles in various bodies of water in our environment continues to grow. There have even been situations here at SIUE that caused concern about the drinking water we consume. Even though this issue is very prevalent, there is still not enough research covering this topic. As a result of that, we seek to add more research and experience into the knowledge of microplastics in hopes of taking a step forward in resolving this crisis.

Research Question

Which age groups have a higher concentration of microplastics in their body due to their water consumption?

Summary of Evidence - Review Article

Plastic and Human Health: A Micro Issue?

• Humans exposure to microplastics through ingestion and inhalation

Potential effects

• Particle toxicity
• Chemical toxicity

A Detailed Review Study on Potential Effects of Microplastics and Additives of Concern on Human Health

Microplastics often cary:

• Phthalates bisphenols,flame retardants,PFAS,and heavy metals
• causes cellular stress,inflammation,and immune disruptions
• older individuals may have higher accumulated concentrations
• while children may have higher exposure intensity from behavior and environment

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Summary of Evidence - Research Paper

• Brain/Blood Vessel Imagery indicates the presence of microplastics within the human body.
• Said Microplastics can spread very far through bloodstream
• Found in
• Pancreas
• Fecal Matter
• Urine
• Brain
• The accumulation of microplastics in kids and adults
• There isn’t much knowledge
• Explains the research that has been conducted so far
• Model on the probability of microplastic concentrations in the gut, body tissue. and stool.
• Medians are 553 (52.5–1.37 × 105) particles/capita/day for children and 883 (86.4–1.68 × 105) particles/capita/day for adults

Summary of Evidence - SciComm Article

• Microplastics can easily leach into our food and drinks
• Experiments on the transfer of microplastics
• Microplastics in certain areas of the body can affect us differently
• Long term and short term
• Both articles heavily suggest finding healthier alternatives to plastics
• Plastic producing companies say their products are safe; not true

Proposed Experiment

• 100 individuals, ranging in different age groups (0-10, 11-20, 21-30, etc.), will be screened to see how much microplastic concentrate resides in their body. Each participant’s result will then be put into a group based on their age in order to find the median for that age group. Lastly, the age group’s results will be compared to see if there is a pattern in the amount of particles found in each age group’s body.

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Summary & Reflections

Older age group will have more microplastics compared to the younger age group

• lifetime exposure
• organ health
• immune system

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Why is this important?

• spread awareness
• prevent water quality outbreaks
• Keeping the community healthy

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References

Cox, David. “How Do the Microplastics in Our Bodies Affect Our Health?” BBC News, BBC, 25 July 2025, www.bbc.com/future/article/20250723-how-do-the-microplastics-in-our-bodies-affect-our-health. Accessed 27 Sept. 2025.

Haipeng Huang et al., Microplastics in the bloodstream can induce cerebral thrombosis by causing cell obstruction and lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities.Sci.

Ji-Kim, Min, et al. “Microplastic Removal in Conventional Drinking Water Treatment Processes: Performance, Mechanism, and Potential Risk - Sciencedirect.” Science Article, 16 Apr. 2016, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0043135421006151. Accessed 18 Sept. 2025

Ma, Baiwen, et al. “Characteristics of Microplastic Removal via Coagulation and Ultrafiltration during Drinking Water Treatment.” Science Direct, 18 Sept. 2015, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385894718323908?casa_token=MwcTccMI_DUAAAAA:FwZp-f_aP5HufGMn9s3BrwL2BgUi7BH0KjeDYeZAWhZjxdNAwJ-QvMWir_XDX1Nsxs3ixmLwQhU. Accessed 20 Sept. 2025.

Mohammed Nor, Nur Hazimah, et. al. “Lifetime Accumulation of Microplastic in Children and Adults.” Environmental Science & Technology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 20 Apr. 2021, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8154366/. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

Steinberg, Kayla, and Nguyen, Vicky. “It Doesn’t Take Much for Microplastics to Leach into Food, Researchers Warn.” NBCNews.Com, NBCUniversal News Group, 3 Apr. 2025, www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/doesnt-take-much-microplastics-leach-food-researchers-warn-rcna198975. Accessed 27 Sept. 2025

Talvite, Julia, et al. “Solutions to Microplastic Pollution – Removal of Microplastics from Wastewater Effluent with Advanced Wastewater Treatment Technologies - Sciencedirect.” Elsevier, 3 May 2017, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0043135417305687. Accessed 20 Sept. 2025

Wright, Stephanie L., and Frank J. Kelly. “Plastic and Human Health: A Micro Issue?” Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 51, no. 12, 22 May 2017, pp. 6634–6647, pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.7b00423,