We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics and nanoplastics: Source, behavior, remediation, and multi-level environmental impact
Summary
This review summarizes existing research on where microplastics and nanoplastics come from, how they move through air, water, and soil, and their toxic effects on living organisms from marine life to humans. Once ingested, these particles accumulate in the body over time through a process called bioaccumulation and can become more concentrated as they move up the food chain. The authors highlight that effectively addressing plastic pollution will require combining cleanup technologies with strong regulatory policies.
Plastics introduced into the natural environment persist, degrade, and fragment into smaller particles due to various environmental factors. Microplastics (MPs) (ranging from 1 μm to 5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs) (less than 1 μm) have emerged as pollutants posing a significant threat to all life forms on Earth. Easily ingested by living organisms, they lead to ongoing bioaccumulation and biomagnification. This review summarizes existing studies on the sources of MPs and NPs in various environments, highlighting their widespread presence in air, water, and soil. It primarily focuses on the sources, fate, degradation, fragmentation, transport, and ecotoxicity of MPs and NPs. The aim is to elucidate their harmful effects on marine organisms, soil biota, plants, mammals, and humans, thereby enhancing the understanding of the complex impacts of plastic particles on the environment. Additionally, this review highlights remediation technologies and global legislative and institutional measures for managing waste associated with MPs and NPs. It also shows that effectively combating plastic pollution requires the synergization of diverse management, monitoring strategies, and regulatory measures into a comprehensive policy framework.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
State of the Art of Microplastic and Nanoplastic Pollution: Origin and Removal Methods
This review traces the origins of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution, examining their sources, environmental pathways, and removal methods across water, soil, and air, as well as their instantaneous and long-term effects on living organisms. The study emphasizes that despite recognition as a contaminant since 2004, micro- and nanoplastics remain poorly regulated globally.
Micro- and Nano-Plastics Contaminants in the Environment: Sources, Fate, Toxicity, Detection, Remediation, and Sustainable Perspectives
This review provides a broad overview of micro- and nanoplastic pollution, covering where these particles come from, how they spread through the environment, and the damage they cause to living things including humans. The authors also compare different methods for removing microplastics from the environment, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches. The paper calls for more research and global cooperation to develop better tools for measuring the health risks of plastic pollution.
Research progress on the sources and toxicology of micro (nano) plastics in environment
This review covers sources, distribution, and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics across soil, water, and air, including effects on organisms and human health. It provides a comprehensive overview of the state of knowledge on environmental microplastic contamination and its consequences.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Environment: Sources, Toxicity, and Ecological Implications
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.
Plastics and Micro/Nano-Plastics (MNPs) in the Environment: Occurrence, Impact, and Toxicity
This review provides a broad overview of how plastics break down into micro- and nanoplastics in soil, water, and air, and how these tiny particles are taken up by plants, animals, and humans. As plastics age in the environment, they become more reactive and potentially more toxic. The paper discusses how these particles enter the body, where they accumulate, and the toxic effects observed in studies so far.