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Fate and occurrence of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution in industrial wastewater
Summary
This review covers the sources, distribution, and health risks of micro- and nanoplastics in industrial wastewater, emphasizing that these particles are nonbiodegradable, persist in the environment, and can carry other contaminants into marine and freshwater ecosystems. The authors argue that industrial wastewater deserves more regulatory attention as a significant and growing entry point for plastic pollution into environments where it can ultimately reach humans.
The presence of plastic waste at micro- and nanolevels in the environment has become a burning global issue in recent times. Various researchers have therefore positioned environmental pollution by microplastic (MP) and nanoplastic (NP) as a serious pollution threat. Industrial wastewater has been identified as a major source of these contaminants, while global plastic production has also been reported to have skyrocketed. The presence of these contaminants in marine and freshwater ecosystem has been well documented. Hence, MP and NP have been labelled as emerging contaminants that are capable of posing significant threat to human health, global economy, and general aesthetics. Plastic pollutants are nonbiodegradable and hence are capable of remaining in the environment for a long period. This review examines thoroughly the occurrence, sources, environmental distribution, and the fate of MP and NP in the environment. The paper also highlights the impact of these contaminants on the aquatic ecosystem and human life. Finally, an attempt is also made at exploring the strategies for their removal and degradation.