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Microplastics and their effects on the metabolism of animal cells
Summary
Researchers investigated microplastic distribution in forest soils under different tree canopy types, finding that coniferous forests accumulated significantly more particles than deciduous forests at similar locations. Canopy structure and litter characteristics influenced microplastic retention, with denser coniferous canopies acting as more effective atmospheric particle collectors.
Microplastics are tiny particles smaller than 5 mm in size found in various environments, including seas, rivers and soil. These particles can be intentionally produced as part of cosmetic products or formed by the breakdown of larger plastic objects. Microplastics represent a serious threat to the environment and animals and could eventually reach humans through the food chain. This thesis deals with a critical and synthetic overview of the literature related to the influence of microplastics on the metabolism of animal cells. The thesis also considers the experimental conditions under which the data were obtained. In particular, factors such as the tested microplastics' shape, size and ageing are critically evaluated as these aspects are often neglected in the literature. Current knowledge shows that microplastics accumulate in the bodies of animals and cause physical and metabolic damage, inflammation, disruption of energy metabolism, protein metabolism and amino acid and lipid metabolism. The most serious effects of microplastics can be considered to be the formation of oxygen radicals, neurotoxicity, disruption of gametogenesis and offspring development.