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Unveiling the ecotoxicological impact of microplastics on organisms - the persistent organic pollutant (POP): A comprehensive review
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This review summarizes existing research on how microplastics act as persistent organic pollutants that spread through food chains, water, soil, and air. The review highlights a newly identified disease called "Plasticosis," which causes permanent scarring and chronic inflammation in the digestive systems of seabirds exposed to microplastics. These findings raise concerns that similar inflammatory damage could occur in humans who regularly consume microplastics through food and water.
Microplastics have been ubiquitous in our environment for decades, and numerous studies have revealed their extensive dispersion, reaching far beyond the surface of the land, soil, aquatic ecosystems. They have infiltrated the food-chain, the food web, even the air we breathe, as well as the water we drink. Microplastics have been detected in the food we consume, acting as vectors for hazardous chemicals that adhere to their hydrophobic surfaces. This can result in the transfer of these chemicals to the aquatic life, posing a threat to their well-being. The release of microplastics into different environmental settings can give rise to various eco-toxicological implications. The substantial body of literature has led scientists to the consensus that microplastic pollution is a global problem with the potential to impact virtually any type of ecosystem. This paper aims to discuss crucial information regarding the occurrence, accumulation, and ecological effects of microplastics on organisms. It also highlights the new and emerging disease named "Plasticosis" that is directly linked to microplastics and its toxicological effects like permanent scarring and long-term inflammation in the digestive system of the seabirds. By comprehending the behaviour of these microplastic pollutants in diverse habitats and evaluating their ecological consequences, it becomes possible to facilitate a better understanding of this toxicological issue.
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‘Plasticosis’: Characterising macro- and microplastic-associated fibrosis in seabird tissues
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Researchers examined 30 young seabirds and found that ingested plastic caused widespread scarring and tissue damage in their stomachs -- damage so severe and distinctive that the authors proposed a new disease called 'Plasticosis.' Naturally occurring materials like pumice did not cause similar scarring, highlighting the unique harmful properties of plastic and raising concerns about similar tissue damage in other species exposed to plastic pollution.
Impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems: An analysis of their ecological effects
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This review of 31 studies found that microplastics are harming marine life, from tiny zooplankton to fish, seabirds, and turtles, causing cell damage, inflammation, and disrupted digestion, with these toxins building up as they move up the food chain. Since humans eat seafood from these same waters, this bioaccumulation is a red flag for what may end up on our plates, underscoring why researchers are calling for urgent action to reduce plastic pollution in oceans.
A Critical Review on Biological Impacts, Ecotoxicity, and Health Risks Associated with Microplastics
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Researchers review the biological impacts and ecotoxicity of microplastics across ecosystems, documenting how these persistent particles transfer through trophic levels, disrupt feeding behavior, obstruct digestive tracts, impair respiratory and reproductive systems in aquatic species, and have been detected in human placentas, while calling for stronger regulations to limit environmental accumulation.
A critical review of the ecotoxic effects of microplastics on aquatic, soil and atmospheric ecosystems and current research challenges
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This review summarizes how microplastics cause toxic effects across water, soil, and air ecosystems by triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, and disrupting metabolic pathways in exposed organisms. The research highlights that while we know microplastics cause harm at the cellular level, there are still major gaps in understanding exactly how much exposure is dangerous for human health.
Systematic Assessment of Mechanisms, Developments, Innovative Solutions, and Future Perspectives of Microplastics and Ecotoxicity – A Review
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This comprehensive review summarizes current knowledge about how microplastics form, spread through the environment, and affect living organisms at every level of the food chain. It covers the toxic effects of microplastics on cells, organs, and whole organisms, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormone disruption. The review also evaluates emerging methods for breaking down microplastics, concluding that a combination of prevention, cleanup, and policy changes is needed to address this growing health threat.
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