Researcher ORCID Identifier

0009-0001-1911-6658

Graduation Year

2025

Date of Submission

4-2025

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Biology

Reader 1

Elise Ferree

Reader 2

Shibu Yooseph

Rights Information

Samuel H Winston

Abstract

Plastics are everywhere now from cups, electronics, clothes, and even in the air. The overwhelming plethora of microplastics (MPs) that are present makes them almost impossible to avoid. Hence, it is important to acknowledge and identify the potential damages these foreign particles can do to the environment and human systems. The recent growing concerns regarding these particles have led to an increase in the amount of research that has been conducted on their potential impacts to biological organisms. This meta-analysis integrates existing research on the impact of microplastic exposure across a multitude of study organisms. By focusing on articles that display valuable data on organisms that can be applicable to human exposure, a careful approach allowed for proper examination of how MP exposure can lead to nutrient malabsorption via impacts on the intestines. Through an intensive selection process, twenty-nine research articles were selected for data analysis. The analysis was concentrated on variables caused by MPs, specifically intestinal oxidative stress, inflammation, and altered mucus secretion. A consistent negative impact was found among all of the screened articles, supporting the claim behind microplastic-induced intestinal damage. Through altering the construction and maintenance of the intestines, MPs can lead to not only nutrient malabsorption, but also conditions like cancer and irritable bowel disease (IBD). This meta-analysis illuminates the profound impact that MP exposure has on biological systems, revealing the importance of driving towards a sustainable approach to replace the profuse abundance of plastics present today.

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This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

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