A group of Chinese scientists under the auspices of the State Health Committee of the People’s Republic of China found microplastic particles in all male sperm samples taken for analysis. The research was published in the scientific journal magazine Total Environmental Science (STE).
The team examined biomaterials obtained from 36 healthy men who did not work in plastic factories. The aim of the project was to examine the link between microplastics in the body and declining fertility rates around the world.
Each male semen sample was mixed with a chemical solution and then filtered for analysis under a microscope.
Scientists found microplastic in all 36 samples. A more detailed study showed that eight types of plastic were found in semen, with polystyrene being the majority. Polystyrene is commonly used in packaging foam.
The team also found that sperm were less motile in semen containing pieces of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, an important material in making bottles and other products. This fact may help explain the decline in fertility globally, the researchers noted.
Scientists have previously found microplastic in the testicles of men and dogs.