A Bibliometric Analysis of Toxicological Impacts of Microplastics in the Environment.

Abstract Plastic has been known as an artificial polymer whereas environmental microplastics become a global concern. Microplastics are reported to cause immunotoxicity in human through gut deposition and entering the bloodstream. This study is a comprehensive indication of the recent research on microplastics toxicity in the gastrointestinal system. We performed bibliographic analysis using VOS viewer software, and analyzed the data received on microplastics and their impact on gut health which has grown exponentially since 2016. Recent findings also support the microplastic toxicity in combination with heavy metals. The smaller particle size and other factors enhanced the adsorption ability of environmental contamination such as heavy metals on microplastic which increased their bioaccumulation. Such toxic complexes of heavy metals and microplastic are a concern to natural ecosystems, so recent findings of environmental biologists are more focused on it. Few reports also demonstrated, the biofilm formation on microplastic surfaces which might cause greater environmental as well as human health risks. Notably, terms of determining the microplastics in human tissues through several analytical techniques are still limited to some extent. Future research should be focused on the quantification of microplastics in human tissues, the combined effect of microplastics with other contaminants, and their effects on the pre-existing diseases. This study boosts understanding of the potential impacts of microplastic and nano-plastic toxicity in the human gastrointestinal system.