Identifying and analyzing the microplastics in human aqueous humor by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Microplastics (MPs), an emerging global pollutant, pose potential risks to human health and have garnered increasing attention. Previous research has identified MPs in various human tissues and organs, but not in the aqueous humor of the eyes. This study used pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) to explore MPs in aqueous humor. Five types of MPs-polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyamide 66 (PA66), and polystyrene (PS)-were found, with PE and PVC being most common. PP was more prevalent in children, while PA66 was more common in adults. MPs abundance generally followed the trend: adults > children > elders among age groups, and females > males between gender groups. Notably, this study is the first to confirm MPs in human aqueous humor, providing a foundation for future research on their impact on intraocular health and enhancing our understanding of the MPs' body distribution.