Forensic Investigation of Micro- and Nano-Plastic Levels and their Indirect Impact on Human: A Review

The miniaturized forms of plastic contaminants found in single-use plastic products are known as micro- and nano-plastics. They are poorly biodegradable and cannot be recycled easily; the frequent use and mass production of plastics have become a pervasive environmental issue. These particles are indirectly ingested by human beings as they can accumulate even in the remote habitats, being consumed by the primary consumer and leading upto the food chain only to be consumed by tertiary consumers. Micro- and nano-plastics can be a source of exposure to plastics, additives, and other toxicants as they can be found in single-use plastics, industrial waste, and even daily-use plastic products, their sources can be dust, soil, oceans, drinking water, packaged food and even the air which we inhale, and the toxicological effects caused by micro- and nano-plastics on the digestive system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and human placenta are still widely being studied. This review is a collective study of microplastics origin, sources, and their indirect toxic effects on human being. Majorly the toxic effects of microplastics on the lungs, gastrointestinal tracts, and obesity as discussed in detail. The study only highlight the problems beinf created by the daily use of plastic; but it is important to pay attention on the development of analysis and detection methodologies for microplastics.