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The Emergence, Chemical Nature, Classification, and Properties of Microplastics
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This book chapter examines the origins, chemical nature, classification, and physical and chemical properties of microplastics, covering their formation from larger plastic breakdown and their categorization into primary and secondary types. The authors link microplastic properties such as hydrophobicity, high surface area, and adsorption capacity to their role as vectors for chemical pollutants in ecosystems.
Ubiquitous microplastic pollution has become a global concern due to its significant contribution to air, soil and water pollution. This book chapter delves into the emergence, chemical nature, classification and properties of microplastics and their impact on the environment. The origins of microplastics result from the breakdown of large plastics through different processes. Classification of microplastics divides them into primary and secondary microplastics based on their intention of origin. Properties like shape, size, density, surface area, adsorption capacity, hydrophobicity and colour provide an understanding of microplastic’s characteristics which emphasizes the potential risk that microplastics pose to the ecosystem including their ability to adsorb and transport the chemical pollutants. Considering the relevant factors associated with microplastics, we can make strategies for the eradication of microplastics from the environment by understanding their properties, fate and transport.
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Insights into Microplastics: from Physical and Chemical Characterisation to its Potential as a Vector.
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This review paper covers the physical and chemical characterization of microplastics, their diversity in size, shape, and chemical structure, and their potential to act as vectors for environmental contaminants. It also discusses challenges in sourcing representative microplastic reference particles for laboratory research.
Microplastics in the Environment
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This book chapter reviews the sources, distribution, fate, and transport of microplastics across terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric environments. Key topics include the ability of microplastics to adsorb persistent organic pollutants and bioaccumulate through food chains, as well as the physicochemical properties that govern their environmental behavior.
Microplastic Pollution in the Environment
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This book chapter provides a general overview of microplastic pollution, describing the formation, classification, distribution, and environmental fate of plastic particles across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Microplastic Pollution in the Environment
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This book chapter provides an overview of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution as emerging environmental contaminants, describing their formation, persistence in the environment, pathways of biological exposure, and potential toxicity to ecosystems and human health.
Microplastic Pollution in the Environment
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This book chapter provides an overview of microplastic accumulation in marine and aquatic habitats, describing how plastic particles fragment, distribute across environmental compartments, and serve as vectors for chemical pollutants and pathogens.
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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.