Understanding how microplastics and cadmium affect fish and human health
Official title: Supplement for Role of Environmental Weathering and Gastrointestinal Digestion on the Bioavailability and Toxicity of Microplastic and Cadmium Mixtures
Funded at Oklahoma State University Stillwater · NIH-10854398 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny plastic pieces and a metal called cadmium can affect fish and human gut cells, helping us understand the risks of eating these pollutants and guiding safety measures for our environment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma State University Stillwater NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stillwater, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $220,448 |
| NIH project number | 3R15ES034901-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10854398 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals concerned about the health impacts of environmental pollutants, particularly those with gastrointestinal conditions or exposure to contaminated water.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not exposed to environmental pollutants or do not have gastrointestinal health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how microplastics and cadmium mixtures interact with the environment and their potential toxicity to fish and human intestinal cells. By examining the absorption of harmful organic compounds onto weathered microplastics and nanoplastics, the study aims to assess the risks associated with their ingestion. Advanced techniques will be used to analyze the reactivity and adverse effects of these substances, providing insights into their transformation and fate in biological systems. The findings could help identify exposure risks and inform safety guidelines for environmental pollutants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of the health risks posed by microplastics and cadmium, potentially influencing public health policies and safety regulations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding the toxicity of microplastics and environmental pollutants, indicating that this approach is grounded in established scientific inquiry.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma State University Stillwater
Stillwater, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gonzalez Estrella, Jorge — Oklahoma State University Stillwater
- Study coordinator: Gonzalez Estrella, Jorge
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.