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The invisible threat: micro- and nanoplastics in ecosystems and human bodies
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A review documented the growing threat of micro- and nanoplastic contamination in ecosystems and the human body in Argentina, reporting detections in rivers, the Argentine Sea, and breast milk. The review called for national policy action and public health responses to address this emerging environmental and health crisis.
Contamination by micro- and nanoplastics became a growing environmental and health concern worldwide. These tiny particles, originating from the degradation of plastics or created for industrial use, invaded ecosystems and the human body. In Argentina, this problem emerged as a significant challenge for public health. Microplastics were detected in rivers, the Argentine Sea and even in breast milk, which caused alarm due to their possible health effects, such as hormonal alterations, inflammation and accumulation in vital organs. The main sources included urban plastic waste, the textile industry, cosmetic products and agricultural practices. Although similar situations were also observed in Latin America, research and public policies showed different levels of progress. The urgent need to improve waste management, promote more effective regulations and environmental education to mitigate the impact of these pollutants was highlighted.
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Microplastics Pollution as an Invisible Potential Threat to Food Safety and Security, Policy Challenges and the Way Forward
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This review synthesized studies from 1999 to 2020 on microplastics in aquatic ecosystems and human food products, documenting toxic effects from animal studies and identifying major policy gaps in plastic use and disposal regulation, particularly regarding human health risk assessment.
Microplastics: A Multidimensional Threat to Environment, Economy, and Public Health
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Researchers reviewed the full scope of microplastic contamination — particles smaller than 5 mm — across oceans, soils, air, and the human body, documenting how they disrupt ecosystems and carry toxic chemicals. The review calls for global policy coordination, better detection standards, and materials innovation to address what has become a worldwide pollution crisis.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Environment: Sources, Toxicity, and Ecological Implications
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This review summarized the sources, environmental distribution, toxicological effects, and ecological impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics, drawing on two decades of research across marine, freshwater, soil, and atmospheric environments. The paper highlighted the global scale of MNP contamination and the urgent need for policy action to reduce plastic pollution.
Microplastic pollution: Sources, fate, impacts and research gaps
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This review summarizes the sources, environmental fate, and health impacts of microplastics across oceans, rivers, soils, and polar regions. It highlights that microplastics carry toxic chemicals into ecosystems and can enter the human body through food, water, and air.
Influence of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on the Environment and Human Health
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This Portuguese-language review summarizes evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics are now ubiquitous in the environment and in the human body — found in breast milk, fish digestive tracts, and elsewhere — and can carry toxic compounds like hydrocarbons and heavy metals that amplify their harm. The authors highlight particular concern for infant exposure through breast milk and for human ingestion via commonly eaten fish like sardines. The paper reinforces the urgent need for regulatory action to reduce plastic pollution given its demonstrated reach into human biology.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.