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A Global Perspective on Microplastic Occurrence in Sediments and Water with a Special Focus on Sources, Analytical Techniques, Health Risks, and Remediation Technologies
Summary
This global review covers microplastic sources, distribution in water and sediment, analytical detection methods, health risks, and cleanup technologies. The authors highlight that microplastics absorb toxic chemicals from their surroundings and can transfer those pollutants to organisms that ingest them. The review calls for standardized detection methods and more research on the long-term health effects of microplastic exposure in humans.
Microplastics have become so pervasive that they seem to be present all around us due to the significant environmental threat they pose. Microplastic pollutants have become an issue as global plastic manufacturing has increased. Microplastics are plastic wastes with particulates less than 5 mm in size that are absorbed by sediment, water, the atmosphere, and living beings before affecting health. Moreover, there is a shortage of knowledge on the distribution, sources, toxic effects, analytical techniques, and removal technologies of microplastics. This review examines the distribution and global abundance of microplastics in aquatic and terrestrial environments, analytical methods, remediation technologies, and health risks. The following are included in this review article: (1) sampling, extraction, and analysis techniques for microplastics in sediment, water, and salt; (2) the source, global distribution, and concentration of microplastics; (3) toxicity and consequences of microplastics on human health; and (4) several methods for removing microplastics, grouped into three categories: engineered, biopolymer, and bioengineered approaches. The worldwide distribution, identification, toxic effects, and remediation technology of microplastics will benefit greatly from this review.