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A comprehensive review of urban microplastic pollution sources, environment and human health impacts, and regulatory efforts
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This review pulls together research from 2010 to 2024 on how microplastics spread through cities via stormwater runoff, wastewater, and air, contaminating both water and soil. The authors highlight that people in urban areas are exposed to microplastics through ingestion, breathing, and skin contact, and call for stronger regulations and better waste management to protect public health.
Microplastic (MP) pollution in urban environments is a pervasive and complex problem with significant environmental and human health implications. Although studies have been conducted on MP pollution in urban environments, there are still research gaps in understanding the exact sources, regulation, and impact of urban MP on the environment and public health. Therefore, the goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the complex pathways, harmful effects, and regulatory efforts of urban MP pollution. It discusses the research challenges and suggests future directions for addressing MPs related to environmental issues in urban settings. In this study, original research papers published from 2010 to 2024 across ten database categories, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, were selected and reviewed to improve our understanding of urban MP pollution. The analysis revealed multifaceted sources of MPs, including surface runoff, wastewater discharge, atmospheric deposition, and biological interactions, which contribute to the contamination of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. MPs pose a threat to marine and terrestrial life, freshwater organisms, soil health, plant communities, and human health through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure. Current regulatory measures for MP pollution include improved waste management, upgraded wastewater treatment, stormwater management, product innovation, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement. Despite these regulatory measures, several challenges such as; the absence of standardized MPs testing methods, MPs enter into the environment through a multitude of sources and pathways, countries struggle in balancing trade interests with environmental concerns have hindered effective policy implementation and enforcement. Addressing MP pollution in urban environments is essential for preserving ecosystems, safeguarding public health, and advancing sustainable development. Interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative research, stringent regulations, and public participation are vital for mitigating this critical issue and ensuring a cleaner and healthier future for urban environments and the planet.
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This systematic review summarizes what we know about microplastics in water — where they come from, how they spread, and the risks they pose to ecosystems and human health. It highlights that wastewater, urban runoff, and air are the main ways microplastics travel, and calls for better global policies and monitoring standards.
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This comprehensive review consolidates current knowledge on microplastic pollution across marine, freshwater, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments. Researchers examined sources, transport pathways, impacts on living organisms, sampling techniques, and regulatory challenges, highlighting significant gaps in understanding the full scope of microplastic effects on ecosystems and human well-being.
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This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on microplastic pollution in soil and water environments and its potential effects on human health. Researchers compiled evidence showing that microplastics are now found throughout food chains, drinking water, and air, creating multiple exposure pathways for people. The study highlights that while microplastic contamination is widespread, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term health implications of chronic human exposure.
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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.