Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) is conducting research on the risk of nanoplastics—which pose significant threats to human health and ecosystems—entering the body through chicken meat and eggs.

Scientific Study Under the COST Program

As part of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Program, OMU is investigating "The Effects of Probiotic and Bentonite Applications on the Elimination of Nanoplastics in Broilers and Laying Hens." This project explores the impact of nanoplastics on gut microbiota, with the goal of using probiotic bacteria to prevent the accumulation of harmful substances in the body.

OMU Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Ergin Öztürk emphasized the widespread plastic pollution affecting living organisms worldwide.

"Nanoplastics can penetrate cells and tissues, reaching the lungs and heart. This is a critical issue requiring urgent action. In our research, we will first determine the amount of nanoplastics that pass into the tissues and organs of chickens. In the second phase, we will investigate how these nanoplastics can be excreted before accumulating in tissues and organs."

Plastics Are Present in Soil, Air, and Water

Highlighting the threat plastics pose to human health, Prof. Dr. Öztürk stated, "Plastics exist in soil, air, and water, making exposure unavoidable. They are often invisible to the naked eye, which means we are all at risk of plastic toxicity. Researchers are working intensively to determine the extent of this issue."

"We Will Intensively Study This Topic for the Next Three Years"

Prof. Dr. Öztürk explained that future research stages will focus on measuring nanoplastic accumulation in tissues and organs and, ultimately, on methods for detoxification and elimination of these particles.

"Our final stage will focus on ways to eliminate nanoplastics before they reach tissues and organs, and how to mitigate toxicity. This study started in 2021 under the European Union framework and will be completed this year. However, we plan to continue our research beyond 2025. We have prepared new projects and expect to work intensively on this issue for the next three years. Based on our findings, we may extend our research even further. The project's results will contribute to addressing one of the world's major problems by identifying how nanoplastics are transferred to poultry meat and eggs and how they can be eliminated."