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Analytical approaches for exploring the role of micro and nanoplastics as carriers of non-phthalate plasticizers and environmental pollutants.
Summary
Tiny plastic particles floating around our environment aren't just harmless debris—they can act like sponges, soaking up toxic chemicals and heavy metals from their surroundings, then release them elsewhere, including potentially in our food and bodies. This review of existing research highlights this "Trojan horse" effect and points out that scientists still lack standardized, reliable methods to measure exactly how much of these harmful chemicals microplastics carry, making it harder to fully understand the risks to our health. Bottom line: more consistent research is needed before we can accurately assess how much danger these plastic particles pose as chemical delivery veh
Micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) are widely distributed in the environment and can no longer be considered as inert debris. In fact, they behave as chemically active materials that may pose a "triple threat" to ecosystems. This arises from both endogenous additives, including non-phthalate plasticizers (NPPAs) incorporated during plastic manufacturing, exogenous contaminants, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals, which are taken up from the surrounding environment, and the MNP particles themselves. This review focused on the so-called "Trojan horse" effect of MNPs, emphasizing their ability to transport and release associated chemical additives, as NPPAs, and environmental pollutants. Current analytical methodologies for the determination of these associated compounds will be evaluated, paying attention to challenges such as background contamination, matrix effects and the need for high-resolution mass spectrometry. Despite the high number of studies in this field, important gaps remain, especially regarding the lack of standardized methodologies and the limited use of environmentally relevant experimental conditions. Thus, key research needs are outlined to better support future regulatory frameworks, with particular emphasis on improving the understanding of sorption-desorption processes and the potential interactions among these contaminants within both environmental and agri-food systems.