The Emerging of Microplastic and Nanoplastic as Pollutants and their Characterization and Analysis

Global plastic pollution is a serious problem that is increasing over the years since millions of tons of plastics end up in the environment. These plastics are fragmented due to sunlight radiation, biodegradation, and other environmental factors leading to small debris which can be transformed into microplastics and nanoplastics. Due to their small size and high surface area, these materials can be easily absorbed by organisms besides being able to adsorb toxic pollutants. Considering these issues, studies about their toxicity and fate in the environment are of great importance, however, the success of these studies depends on the methods of sampling, sample preparation, and also analysis, which need to be developed and improved. Thus, the current review proposes an integrated approach of methodologies of sampling, sample preparation, and analysis of solid and aqueous samples with microplastics and nanoplastics besides discussing the challenges and new methodologies for microplastics and nanoplastics analysis.