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MANUSCRIPT 

The Role of Microplastics in Male Fertility 

Decline: A Review of Hispanic Populations 

Along the Texas-Mexico Border 
 

Marisol Acosta1, Jocelyn B. Armendariz1,2,  Juan L. Flores 1,3, Daniella E. Guerrero1,3, Teresa J. 

Hidalgo1,2,  Jessica A. López1,2, Leonel A. Nuñez1,2, and Angie J. Ruiz1,2  

 
1DHR Health High School and Community Outreach  
2  South Texas ISD Health Professions  

3  South Texas ISD Medical Professions  
 

 

Received: July 3, 2024  

Accepted for publication: January 24, 2025   

Introduction 

The pervasive presence of microplastics in the environment poses a significant threat to human 

health, including reproductive health.1,3 This literature review focuses on the emerging evidence 

linking microplastic exposure to male fertility decline, specifically examining studies involving 

Hispanic populations along the Texas-Mexico border. This region presents a unique context due 

to factors such as high rates of environmental pollution, potential disparities in healthcare access, 

and cultural practices influencing exposure.4,6 The review will systematically evaluate existing 

research, identify knowledge gaps, and highlight the need for future studies tailored to this 

vulnerable population. Understanding the impact of microplastics on male fertility within this 

specific demographic is critical for developing targeted public health interventions. 

Microplastics and Male Reproductive Health: A General Overview 

Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter, are ubiquitous pollutants 

found in various environmental matrices, including air, water, and soil.2,7 Human exposure 

occurs through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, leading to microplastic accumulation in 

various organs, including reproductive tissues.1, 8-9 Several studies have demonstrated the adverse 

effects of microplastics on male reproductive health in both animal models and humans.10,12  

These effects include reduced sperm motility, altered sperm morphology, decreased sperm count, 

and increased oxidative stress.1,13-14 The mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully 

understood but may involve oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal disruption.1,14 

Furthermore, the type and concentration of microplastics, along with individual susceptibility, 

may influence the severity of the effects.8 A study by Hu et al. found microplastics in both canine 

and human testes, highlighting the pervasive nature of this contamination.8 The study also 

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revealed a negative correlation between specific polymers (PVC and PET) and testis weight, 

suggesting a potential link between microplastic exposure and impaired testicular function. 

The Texas-Mexico Border: A Unique Context for Microplastic Exposure 

The Texas-Mexico border region presents a unique epidemiological setting for studying the 

impact of microplastics on male fertility. This region faces several challenges that may 

exacerbate exposure and increase vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. Firstly, the area 

experiences high levels of environmental pollution, including air and water contamination, 

potentially leading to increased microplastic exposure compared to other regions.15,16 Secondly, 

the region’s socio-economic disparities, including limited healthcare access and high rates of 

poverty, may hinder early diagnosis and treatment of fertility problems.4,6 Thirdly, cultural 

practices and dietary habits within Hispanic communities along the border may influence 

exposure pathways and susceptibility to microplastic-related health effects. Further research is 

needed to investigate these factors in detail and assess their combined impact on male fertility 

outcomes.17 

Research Gaps and Methodological Considerations 

Despite the growing concern, there is a significant lack of research specifically investigating the 

impact of microplastics on male fertility within Hispanic populations along the Texas-Mexico 

border. Most existing studies are either broad-based, examining general populations without 

considering specific demographic factors, or focus on other environmental pollutants impacting 

male fertility.18-20 Furthermore, there are methodological challenges in accurately assessing 

microplastic exposure and its effects. Quantifying microplastic levels in human tissues requires 

advanced techniques, such as pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), 

which may not be readily available for large-scale epidemiological studies.8,9 Moreover, 

establishing a causal link between microplastic exposure and fertility decline requires robust 

epidemiological designs that account for confounding factors, such as lifestyle, diet, and other 

environmental exposures.19 Studies should also consider the potential synergistic effects of 

microplastics with other environmental pollutants, as individuals in this region are likely exposed 

to a complex mixture of contaminants.14 

Future Research Directions 

Addressing the research gaps requires a multidisciplinary approach involving environmental 

scientists, epidemiologists, reproductive health specialists, and community health workers. 

Future research should prioritize the following: 

Targeted Epidemiological Studies: Conduct large-scale epidemiological studies specifically 

focusing on Hispanic men along the Texas-Mexico border. Measure microplastic exposure levels 

(e.g., through blood, semen, or urine samples) and assess their association with various fertility 

parameters, including sperm count, motility, morphology, and DNA integrity. These studies 

should employ advanced statistical methods to adjust for potential confounders and investigate 

dose-response relationships.8,9 

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Mechanistic Studies: Investigate the biological mechanisms through which microplastics affect 

male reproductive health. This could involve in vitro studies using human sperm cells exposed to 

different types and concentrations of microplastics, examining changes in gene expression, 

oxidative stress markers, and other relevant biomarkers.21,22 Animal models could also be used to 

study the long-term effects of microplastic exposure on testicular development and function.10,11 

Community-Based Participatory Research: Engage Hispanic communities along the border in 

the research process to ensure culturally appropriate data collection methods and address 

potential barriers to participation. This approach can improve the relevance and impact of 

research findings.23 

Exposure Assessment: Develop robust methods for assessing microplastic exposure in this 

population, considering diverse exposure pathways (e.g., diet, water consumption, air inhalation) 

and accounting for potential differences in exposure based on occupation, lifestyle, and 

residential location.24 

Synergistic Effects: Investigate the potential synergistic effects of microplastic exposure with 

other environmental pollutants commonly found in the region, such as heavy metals and 

pesticides, to better understand the cumulative impact on male reproductive health.25-26 

Policy Implications: Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations to 

reduce microplastic pollution, improve healthcare access, and promote reproductive health 

within Hispanic communities along the Texas-Mexico border. 

Conclusion 

The evidence suggests a potential link between microplastic exposure and male fertility decline. 

However, more research is needed to understand the specific impact on Hispanic populations 

along the Texas-Mexico border. This region's unique environmental and socio-economic context 

warrants targeted studies that consider the interplay of multiple factors influencing male 

reproductive health. By addressing the identified research gaps and employing a community-

engaged approach, future investigations can provide critical information for developing effective 

public health interventions to protect the reproductive health of this vulnerable population. 

Furthermore, understanding the role of microplastics in this context can contribute to broader 

efforts to mitigate the global health impacts of plastic pollution. The potential for 

transgenerational effects of microplastic exposure also necessitates long-term monitoring and 

investigation to fully understand the long-term health consequences. The alarming decline in 

male fertility rates globally and the potential contribution of environmental factors such as 

microplastics underscores the urgent need for further research and targeted public health 

initiatives. The combination of environmental exposures and socio-economic factors in regions 

like the Texas-Mexico border highlights the need for a holistic approach to address male fertility 

decline, considering lifestyle modifications, environmental interventions, and healthcare access 

improvements. The potential for nutraceuticals to mitigate the negative impact of environmental 

factors on male fertility warrants further investigation as a potential supplementary approach. 

The study of delayed diagnosis of tuberculosis in the region also points to broader healthcare 

access issues that may affect the timely diagnosis and treatment of fertility problems related to 

microplastic exposure. The impact of economic uncertainty on male fertility further complicates 

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the picture, highlighting the interplay of social and economic factors in reproductive health 

outcomes. Finally, the consideration of cultural practices and herbal product use within the 

Hispanic community is essential for developing culturally sensitive public health interventions. 

Acknowledgements 

Nori Zapata, MSN, RN, Senior Vice President of Education and Career Development, Vanessa 

Vera, MS, Senior Manager of High School and Community Outreach, Anisa Mirza, Intern 

Program Coordinator.  

Funding: 

Funded  by  DHR  Health High School and Community Outreach;    DHR    Health; South Texas 

Independent School District.  

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