MP Journal of Medical Research
Presented at 1st ASEAN Conference on Shariah Compliant Healthcare 2025 (ASCOCH 2025) · All posters from this congress
Infectious DiseasesOpen accessPoster communication · 2026-0030

Detection of Diverse Microplastic Polymers in Human Breast Milk

Norafiza Zainuddin1✉, Nur Rasyiqah Shamsul1, Dhea Maisarah Ahmad Nasri2, Hamizah Ismail3, Fikriah Faudzi4, Sabiqah Tuan Anuar4

  1. 1 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.
  2. 2 Halimatussaadia Mother's Milk Centre (HMMC), Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre @IIUM (SASMEC), Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.
  3. 3 Institute of Oceanography and Maritime Studies (INOCEM), Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.
  4. 4 Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

Received 14 October 2026 · Accepted 14 October 2026 · Published 14 October 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23356917

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Key messages

  1. Des microplastiques divers sont présents dans le lait maternel humain.
  2. Les polymères détectés incluent PE, PP, PET et PVDF, indiquant plusieurs voies de contamination.
  3. Il est nécessaire de standardiser les méthodes de détection et d'évaluer les risques pour la santé des nourrissons.

Abstract

Introduction

The detection of microplastics (MPs) in human breast milk (HBM) has raised urgent concerns about infant exposure to environmental contaminants during a critical developmental stage. Breastfeeding, considered the gold standard for infant nutrition, may inadvertently serve as a pathway for MPs to reach newborns.

Materials and methods

Breast milk samples collected from the Halimatussaadia Mother's Milk Centre (HMMC) were processed through sequential steps to isolate MPs. These were characterized using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Negative control was ultra-pure water, and positive control was milk spiked with MPs (PET, PP, Nylon 66).

Results

A range of polymer types was identified in HBM. The most frequently detected MPs included polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), widely used in packaging, food containers, and textiles. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), associated with industrial and household applications, was also present. The diversity of polymers suggests multiple contamination pathways including consumer products, packaging, and broader environmental exposure.

Conclusion

This study highlights the presence of multiple microplastic polymers in human breast milk, indicating potential early-life exposure in infants. The detection of common plastics such as PE, PP, PET, and PVDF underscores the pervasive nature of microplastic pollution. These findings emphasize the urgent need for standardized detection methods and further studies to assess exposure sources and potential health risks to breastfeeding infants.

Original poster

References

  1. Enyoh CE, Ovuoraye PE, Qingyue W, et al (2023) Examining the impact of nanoplastics and PFAS exposure on immune functions through inhibition of secretory immunoglobin A in human breast milk. J Hazard Mater 459, 132103
  2. Martini, S., Mardwita, M., Afroze, S., Yusmartini, E. S., & Kharismadewi, D. (2024). The Use Of PVDF-Based Membrane for Treating Industrial Wastewater in the Perspective of Fabrication Technique and Fouling Mitigation via Additive Blending and Surface Coating. Jurnal Teknologi, 86(2), 217–234. https://doi.org/10.11113/jurnalteknologi.v86.19389
  3. Roslan, N. S., Lee, Y. Y., Ibrahim, Y. S., Tuan Anuar, S., Yusof, K. M. K. K., Lai, L. A., & Brentnall, T. (2024). Detection of microplastics in human tissues and organs: A scoping review. Journal of global health, 14, 04179. https://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.14.04179
Keywords
microplastics · breast milk · polyethylene · polypropylene · polyethylene terephthalate · polyvinylidene fluoride
Received
14 October 2026
Accepted
14 October 2026
Published
14 October 2026
Peer review
Single-anonymized review by the Editorial Board · How we review
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23356917
License
© The Authors 2026. Distributed under CC BY 4.0
Journal
MP Journal of Medical Research · ISSN 3144-8402

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