We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Pollution by Micro- and Nano-Plastics in the Arab Region
AI summary Read the abstract
This technical report assesses environmental pollution by micro- and nanoplastics across the Arab region, prepared by the Emerging Pollutant Network under the Arab Science and Technology Foundation. Researchers synthesized scientific evidence on contamination sources, distribution, and health impacts across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments in multiple Arab countries. The report identifies critical gaps in regional monitoring capacity and recommends coordinated research and policy efforts to address plastic pollution.
Description (English – for Zenodo) This technical report provides a comprehensive assessment of environmental pollution by microplastics (MPs; <5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs; <100 nm) across the Arab region. Prepared by the Emerging Pollutant Network (EPN) under the Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF), the report synthesizes peer-reviewed scientific evidence to evaluate the sources, distribution, environmental behavior, and ecological and human health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics in marine, freshwater, terrestrial, and urban environments. The report presents a region-wide analysis of monitoring data from multiple Arab countries, highlighting contamination levels in seawater, sediments, soils, wastewater, and biota, including commercially important fish species. It critically examines analytical methodologies and laboratory capacities currently available in the region, identifying gaps in detection, standardization, and technical infrastructure for micro- and nanoplastic analysis. In addition to documenting environmental occurrence, the report reviews emerging evidence on toxicological, neurological, and bioaccumulative effects of micro- and nanoplastics, emphasizing their role as vectors for hazardous chemicals and heavy metals through food webs to humans. The study further assesses national and regional policy frameworks, waste management practices, and regulatory readiness, revealing significant disparities in preparedness among Arab states. The report concludes with strategic, science-based recommendations aimed at policymakers, research institutions, and environmental authorities. These include strengthening regional research coordination, upgrading laboratory capabilities, reforming waste and wastewater management systems, developing targeted legislation, and enhancing public awareness. The report is intended to support evidence-based decision-making, regional cooperation, and the development of sustainable strategies to mitigate micro- and nanoplastic pollution in the Arab world
More Papers Like This
Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Pollution by Micro- and Nano-Plastics in the Arab Region
AI summary Read the abstract
This technical report provides a comprehensive assessment of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution across the Arab region, synthesizing peer-reviewed evidence on contamination in marine, freshwater, terrestrial, and urban environments. Researchers compiled monitoring data from multiple Arab countries, documenting contamination levels in seawater, sediments, soils, wastewater, and commercially important fish species. The report identifies significant regional data gaps and calls for harmonized monitoring approaches to better understand the scope of plastic pollution in the region.
Occurrence and risks of microplastics in the ecosystems of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed 97 studies on microplastic occurrence across marine, freshwater, air, and terrestrial environments in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The study found that despite being a major area of plastic production and consumption, MP research in the MENA region had been limited until a surge in 2021, and the risk assessment revealed concerning concentrations particularly in marine waters.
Dietary exposure to micro- and nanoplastics in the Arab Region, a narrative review
AI summary Read the abstract
A review of 30 studies across 10 Arab countries found microplastics in bottled water, seafood, meat, and salt, with high plastic use and poor waste management driving dietary exposure. The findings highlight an urgent regional need for monitoring and policy, as dietary microplastic intake poses direct human health risks through chronic ingestion.
Micro- and Nanoplastics in Tunisian Coastal Areas
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the current state of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution along Tunisia's Mediterranean coastline. Researchers summarized the sources, distribution, and environmental impacts of these contaminants on coastal marine ecosystems, as well as recent advances in monitoring and treatment methods. The study identifies critical research gaps and recommends integrated policies and regional cooperation to address plastic particle pollution in the region.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Environment: Sources, Toxicity, and Ecological Implications
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
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.