We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Bakelite to microplastics contamination: A comprehensive review on microplastics sources, distribution and their characteristic existence in environment
Summary
This comprehensive review traced the history of plastic pollution from Bakelite in the early 20th century to today's microplastic contamination crisis, examining how plastic production growth has driven accumulation across global environments. It synthesized evidence on sources, transport pathways, and ecological impacts.
Polymers used as a commodity are prevalent as plastic products in day-to-day life globally. Mass production and mishandling of plastic waste turns out to produce contaminants in micro and nano size ranges. The life span of microplastics (MPs) constitutes a larger threat due to its existence in all spheres of earth. Their footprint and lifetime in environmental conditions is galactic, thus it is necessary to conduct a literature study and review on substantial sources, their distribution mechanisms and transformation process. MPs are formed under natural conditions by physical, chemical and biological forces. In this context, a comprehensive review on origin, deterioration, dispersion, sorption, motility, and settlement of MPs across ecosystems is evaluated. Major findings of review showed MPs have emerged in daily human food intake of about 0 to 1674 numbers/kg in salts and 52 particles/fish respectively. This review identifies that environmental concentration of MPs increases rapidly with one or more sources identified every year. This review enhances understanding of widespread distribution of MPs and potential health threats to human due to their abundance and size. Further, the number of research on plastic alternative products and additives for mitigating plastic pollution is less. Thus, this review also emphasizes the key aspects of focus to conduct research towards evidence based human health studies of MPs and developing effective strategies in mitigating plastics.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
From Bakelite to Biohazard: The Century-Long Rise of Microplastics
This narrative review traces the century-long arc from the invention of Bakelite to today's pervasive microplastic pollution, finding that micro- and nanoplastics now permeate human tissues with emerging evidence linking them to reproductive, cardiovascular, and inflammatory health effects. The review calls for coordinated regulatory action and bioremediation strategies to address what it frames as a growing public health crisis.
Microplastic Pollution in the Environment
This review examines the ubiquitous presence of microplastics as emerging environmental pollutants across all major environmental compartments, synthesizing data on their sources, fates, and concentrations over time and space to characterize the scale of global contamination.
Characterization and toxicity assessment of industrial microplastics made of Bakelite
Researchers characterized and assessed the toxicity of Bakelite industrial microplastics, a historically overlooked plastic type, finding that these thermoset particles present distinct environmental concerns due to their extensive industrial use and previously uncharacterized ecological impact.
Microplastics: Contaminants of Global Concern in the Anthropocene
This review summarizes the state of knowledge on microplastics as a global contaminant, covering their sources, distribution in different environments, and potential ecological and health effects. It frames microplastics as a defining pollution challenge of the Anthropocene era.
Driver, Trends and Fate of Plastics and Micro Plastics Occurrence in the Environment
This review examines the sources, trends, and environmental fate of plastics and microplastics, which have become a major global pollution problem due to massive production and poor waste management. Understanding how plastics move through the environment is essential for designing effective pollution controls.