Raman Microspectroscopy evidence of microplastics in human semen.

Plain-language summary

This study set out to look at whether microplastics are present in human semen, a concern given animal studies suggesting they might harm reproductive health. Researchers analyzed semen samples from ten men living in a polluted area of southern Italy, using Raman Microspectroscopy to detect and characterize microplastics. They found microplastic fragments in six out of ten samples, ranging from 2 to 6 micrometers in size and made of materials like polypropylene and polyethylene. The study suggests these microplastics likely entered the semen through the epididymis and seminal vesicles, which are prone to inflammation.

Key findings

• Microplastics were found in six out of ten semen samples.
• Microplastics ranged from 2 to 6 micrometers in size.
• Detected microplastics included polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene.
• Microplastics likely entered semen through the epididymis and seminal vesicles.