All That Glitters May Be Toxic: Understanding the Impact of Exposure to Glitter Microplastics Upon Animal Health

Glitter, a type of primary microplastic, has multiple applications including in cosmetics, embellishments in arts and crafts, decoration items and jewelry. The current study was designed to determine the potential effects on ingestion of microplastics upon hematology, histology and DNA integrity in relation to varying doses in experimental groups of Mus musculus along with their retention within the body. Commercial glitter (Polyethylene terephthalate), (0.03 & micro;m in size) was selected and fed to experimental groups mixed with basal diet in escalating doses (0.0 & micro;g/kg, 100 & micro;g/kg, 200 & micro;g/kg, 400 & micro;g/kg and 800 & micro;g/ kg). Fecal matter was collected on daily basis and analyzed for amounts of MPs present in them. After a trial duration of 21 days, blood samples were collected following standard protocol and hematological parameters analyzed. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference of doses upon blood profile at alpha = 0.05 except for Lymphocytes (p = 0.01) which showed a significant impact at higher doses i.e. 400 & micro;g/kg and 800 & micro;g/kg. Histological examination of Gastrointestinal Tract (GI) indicated degeneration and sloughing of mucosal cells, and necrosis in intestines of treatment group 3 and treatment group 4. Degeneration and disruption of villi was also visible in these groups. Likewise, DNA damage was noted to increase with increase in doses. It was also observed that the number of MPs present in excreta reduced as the dose increased.