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Nanoplastics as Trojan Horses: Deciphering Complex Connections and Environmental Ramifications: A Review
Summary
This comprehensive review covers nanoplastic formation, physicochemical properties, detection methods, and ecological impacts, with particular focus on nanoplastics acting as carriers that transport toxic chemicals into organisms and the human food chain. Nanoplastics (1–100 nm) present unique risks compared to larger microplastics because their size enables cellular penetration and their high surface-area-to-volume ratio dramatically increases their capacity to concentrate and deliver adsorbed toxins.
Nanoplastics, tiny plastic particles ranging from 1 to 100 nm, have gained increasing attention due to their potential environmental and health impacts. This comprehensive review discusses the recent trend of nano plastics (NPs) formation, their physicochemical properties, novel detection techniques, and ecological impacts. Primary NPs arise from the degradation of larger plastic particles into nano-sized fragments, a process that can occur naturally through exposure to sunlight and weathering. Secondary nanoplastics are directly introduced into the environment in nano-sized form, originating from sources such as cosmetics, sunscreens, detergents and industrial processes. The physicochemical properties of NPs in terms of size, surface area-to-volume ratio, binding capacity, and potential for aggregation with toxic substances are also discussed. Various NPs detection techniques, such as spectroscopy (UV–Vis, Raman), microscopy (optical, electron, atomic), fluorescence, particle counting, and chemical analysis are also deliberated. Specifically, the role of NPs as carriers for transferring toxic chemicals to the organisms as well as entering into the human food chain is also explored. Recent technological innovations in the removal of NPs from wastewater, in terms of membrane-based filtration, adsorption (nanomaterials, microalgae, and natural adsorbents), electrocoagulation, hybrid membrane processes, and advanced oxidation processes are also highlighted. Finally, we emphasize the research gaps and future directions of NPs' toxicity and risk management.