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Micro- and Nanoplastics and PFAS: Environmental Occurrence, Ecological Effects, and Emerging Biodegradation Technologies
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles and PFAS chemicals (long-lasting industrial compounds), covering how they build up in the environment, their effects on soil, microbes, plants, and human health. It also discusses biological and advanced technologies being developed to remove these pollutants from the environment.
At present, human activities, particularly the generation of industrial waste and, in agroecosystems, various agricultural practices, are contributing to the increasing release of emerging pollutants into the environment. Micro- and nanoplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are among the contaminants with the greatest environmental impact, as they are not fully biodegradable and thus persist in the environment over time. This review examines the characteristics and properties of micro- and nanoplastics and PFAS, their effects on soil properties, microbial activity, and plant growth, as well as their harmful impacts on human health. It is not intended to focus on specific geographical regions, soil types, or individual microplastics or PFAS compounds, but rather to provide a general and integrated overview of the effects of these two classes of contaminants on the environment, plants, and human health. This broad approach is also justified by the limited and heterogeneous body of literature available for specific environmental settings, soil types, or individual contaminants, which often precludes a comprehensive assessment of particular scenarios. Attention is also given to the potential for removing these pollutants from the environment using biological methods, and the most advanced treatment and abatement technologies currently employed are discussed.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.