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Plasticizing pregnancy: microplastics identified in expectant mothers’ feces


Citation

Hasanah, Uswatun and Amqam, Hasnawati and Septami, AR Ervina and Chalid, Maisuri and Aris, Ahmad Zaharin (2024) Plasticizing pregnancy: microplastics identified in expectant mothers’ feces. Environmental Health Insights, 18. pp. 1-9. ISSN 1178-6302

Abstract

Introduction: Microplastics may be present in food and drinks from various sources, exposing pregnant women to these particles. Consumption of contaminated food can lead to the ingestion of microplastics by pregnant women, potentially causing adverse health effects on the fetus. This study aims to investigate the presence of microplastics in the stools of pregnant women. Methods: The research was conducted in the Makassar City region of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Thirty healthy pregnant women from 2 community health centers, Pattingalloang and Jumpandang Baru, participated in the study. Their stools were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy to detect the presence of microplastics. Result: The analysis revealed the presence of a total of 359 microplastics in the participants’ stools, with particle counts ranging from 4 to 21 and sizes ranging from 0.2 to 4.9 mm per 25 g of stool. The polymers identified included Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyamide/Nylon, Polyethylene Chlorinated, HDPE, and Ethylene Propylene. The amount of microplastics varied significantly among groups with different levels of seafood consumption. Conclusion: Indonesian pregnant women have been exposed to some microplastic polymers.


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Additional Metadata

Item Type: Article
Divisions: Faculty of Forestry and Environment
International Institute of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science
DOI Number: https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302241235810
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Keywords: Feces; Microparticles; Plastics; Pregnancy
Depositing User: Ms. Nur Faseha Mohd Kadim
Date Deposited: 28 May 2025 04:37
Last Modified: 28 May 2025 04:37
Altmetrics: http://www.altmetric.com/details.php?domain=psasir.upm.edu.my&doi=10.1177/11786302241235810
URI: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/117506
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