We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic Pollution in Soil and Water and the Potential Effects on Human Health: A Review
Summary
This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on microplastic pollution in soil and water environments and its potential effects on human health. Researchers compiled evidence showing that microplastics are now found throughout food chains, drinking water, and air, creating multiple exposure pathways for people. The study highlights that while microplastic contamination is widespread, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term health implications of chronic human exposure.
The presence of microplastics in the environment has increased due to anthropogenic activities; it is estimated that 15 million kilograms of plastic waste accumulate in the ocean annually. Pollution permeates every inch of the ocean from microplastics in the food chain to plastic water bottles floating on the surface. This monolith of ocean pollution is made up of all kinds of marine debris and contains 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic, covering an area twice the size of Texas. The objective of this review is to show advances in the study of emerging problems, specifically in the presence of microplastics in water and soil and their potential effects on health. In addition, microplastics have synergy with residual contaminants that exist in the water such as textile waste, organic matter, pathogens, etc. This causes damage to aquatic organisms as it makes nutrient transfer more complex in many of these species. There is a report that estimates that liabilities related to plastic pollution will cost the industry 100,000 million dollars due to lawsuits for damages and losses, of which 20,000 million will occur in the United States. The study of the presence of microplastics in the environment can generate indicators of the current effect to generate public policies that try to control the growth of this pollutant in the environment. It is important to discuss all the routes of generation of microplastics, distribution, and cosmetics involved in fast fashion with glitter and to evaluate the physical, chemical, biological, and toxicological effects on the environment, proposing the path and future to be followed regarding this research topic.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics pollution in water is a threat for human health and the environment (literature review)
This literature review examines the growing problem of microplastic contamination in water bodies and drinking water worldwide. Evidence indicates that microplastics pose concerns for human health both through their physical effects and through the chemicals and microorganisms they can carry, with studies confirming their presence in marine and freshwater environments across multiple countries.
Microplastics contamination in soil, water, air, and environmental health risk assessment
This review surveys the contamination of soil, water, and air by microplastics and assesses the associated environmental health risks. Researchers found that microplastics are present across all environmental compartments and can enter the food chain, potentially affecting both ecosystems and human health. The study calls for standardized detection methods and more comprehensive risk assessments to better understand the full scope of microplastic exposure.
Research progress on the sources and toxicology of micro (nano) plastics in environment
This review covers sources, distribution, and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics across soil, water, and air, including effects on organisms and human health. It provides a comprehensive overview of the state of knowledge on environmental microplastic contamination and its consequences.
A review of microplastics in the soil environment
This review summarizes the current state of knowledge about microplastic contamination in soil environments, covering sources, distribution, and effects on soil organisms and ecosystems. The study highlights that while aquatic microplastic research is more advanced, soil contamination poses significant but understudied risks to terrestrial ecosystems and food production.
How microplastics are destroying soil and human health
This review examined how microplastics harm soil health — disrupting soil structure, water retention, microbial communities, and nutrient cycling — and how soil degradation translates into risks for human health through food and water contamination. It argues that soil microplastic pollution deserves equivalent attention to aquatic contamination.