ALL THAT GLITTERS MAY BE TOXIC: UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF EXPOSURE TO GLITTER MICROPLASTICS UPON ANIMAL HEALTH

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences

2 University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore

3 University of Central Punjab, Lahore

10.22059/poll.2025.398841.3031

Abstract

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 µm in size) was selected and fed to experimental groups mixed with basal diet in escalating doses (0.0 µg/kg, 100 µg/kg, 200 µg/kg, 400 µg/kg and 800 µg/kg). Fecal matter was collected on daily basis and analyzed for amounts of MPs present in them. After 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 α = 0.05 except for Lymphocytes (p = 0.01) which showed a significant impact at higher doses i.e. 400 µg/kg and 800 µg/kg. Histological examination of Gastrointestinal Tract indicated degeneration and sloughing of mucosal cells, and necrosis in intestines of groups 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 amount of MPs present in excreta reduced as the dose increased.

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Main Subjects

Pollution

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 December 2025

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