We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Inclusive Assessment of Micro/Nanoplastics Biological Effects Across Primary Producers, Consumers, and Humans
AI summary Read the abstract
This comprehensive review synthesized microplastic and nanoplastic biological effects across the full spectrum of life—from microbes and plants to aquatic animals and humans—documenting conserved stress responses like oxidative damage, cell membrane disruption, and cascading impacts on ecosystem nutrient cycling. It highlights that smaller nanoplastics are particularly hazardous, bioaccumulate through food chains, and are increasingly linked to human inflammatory disorders and potential carcinogenic risks.
The widespread contamination of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in global ecosystems poses severe environmental and public health risks due to their trophic transfer potential and multifaceted bio-effects. This review provides an inclusive synthesis of MNP-induced biological effects across the entire biological hierarchy—from microbial communities, plants, and aquatic/terrestrial fauna to humans—focusing on recent advances (2017–2024). Its innovation lies in three aspects: cross-hierarchy integration connecting cellular/molecular effects (e.g., oxidative stress) to ecosystem impacts (e.g., nutrient cycling disturbance); clarification of mechanistic links between conserved responses and taxon-specific effects; and comprehensive synthesis of physicochemical properties’ (type, size, aging) regulatory role in bio-effects. Studies on model organisms show MNPs trigger biological responses (e.g., oxidative stress (ROS overproduction), cell membrane damage, and shifts in microbial community structure) via conserved and taxon-specific mechanisms. These responses further lead to toxicity (e.g., cellular abnormalities, tissue/organ damage) in organisms, and the cumulative bio-effects of MNPs cascade from impaired individual fitness to disrupted population dynamics and ecosystem functions (e.g., nutrient cycling disturbance). Critically, MNPs bioaccumulate through food chains, with human exposure linked to inflammatory disorders and potential carcinogenic risks. Smaller NPs generally exert more severe impacts due to enhanced bioavailability. Future research should prioritize: (1) long-term toxicity under environmentally relevant concentrations; (2) synergistic interactions with co-pollutants; (3) validation of pivotal biomarkers linking cellular responses to ecosystem impacts. Addressing these will enable targeted risk mitigation strategies for plastic pollution-related health and ecological issues. Overview of the biological effects of micro- and nanoplastics on organisms at different levels
More Papers Like This
Micro and Nanoplastics in Ecosystems: Interrelated Sources, Risks, Pathways, Consequences, Mitigation, Challenges and Future Recommendations
AI summary Read the abstract
This review maps how micro- and nanoplastics travel between soil, water, and air, accumulate in food chains, and affect living organisms, while also examining mitigation strategies including microbial degradation and better waste management. Understanding these interconnected pathways is critical because plastics carry toxic chemical additives that amplify their health risks as they move through ecosystems.
Micro- and Nanoplastics Impact on Food Sources of Marine Origin
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how micro- and nanoplastics contaminate marine-sourced foods including fish, shellfish, and seaweed, raising concerns about human dietary exposure. With billions of metric tons of plastic produced since 1950, ocean food sources represent a significant and growing pathway for plastic particles entering the human body.
Micro/nanoplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems: An Integrated Review of Occurrence, Toxicological Implications, Case Studies, Methodologies, and Future Recommendations
AI summary Read the abstract
This integrated review covers the occurrence, toxicology, and detection of micro- and nanoplastics across freshwater, marine, and estuarine ecosystems, using case studies to illustrate biomagnification through aquatic food webs and the compounding risk from co-occurring chemical contaminants. The review calls for stronger international collaboration and policy frameworks grounded in scientific evidence, recognizing that the pervasive nature of micro- and nanoplastics in aquatic systems poses escalating risks to both ecosystem integrity and human health.
Introduction to Microplastics: Origin, Environmental Pathways, and Impacts on Ecosystems and Human Health
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers introduced the origins, environmental transport pathways, and ecosystem impacts of microplastics, tracing how the non-biodegradable nature of plastics combined with poor waste management has driven pollution of terrestrial, aquatic, and human biological systems.
A Critical Review on Biological Impacts, Ecotoxicity, and Health Risks Associated with Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers review the biological impacts and ecotoxicity of microplastics across ecosystems, documenting how these persistent particles transfer through trophic levels, disrupt feeding behavior, obstruct digestive tracts, impair respiratory and reproductive systems in aquatic species, and have been detected in human placentas, while calling for stronger regulations to limit environmental accumulation.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.