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Role of Microplastics in the Global Plastics Pollution Crisis with Respect to One Health in the Post-COVID-19 Era
Summary
This review applied a One Health framework to assess how the global microplastic crisis—worsened by pandemic-related surges in single-use plastics—threatens human, animal, and ecosystem health through ingestion, inhalation, endocrine disruption, and biomagnification through food webs. The interdisciplinary lens underscores that microplastic pollution cannot be addressed by any single sector and requires coordinated policy, waste management reform, and public health action to reduce systemic human exposure.
The global plastics pollution crisis has escalated with the proliferation of microplastics, tiny plastic particles that pose significant threats to environmental and public health. Microplastics originate from various sources such as degradation of larger plastic items, industrial processes, and personal care products. Their omnipresence in marine and terrestrial ecosystems has raised concerns about their persistence and the pathways through which they enter food webs, ultimately impacting human health through ingestion and inhalation. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue by increasing the use of single-use plastics, particularly in the form of personal protective equipment and packaging. This surge in plastic use has led to greater environmental leakage and challenges in waste management, contributing to the long-term implications of pandemic-related plastic waste. Human exposure to microplastics is associated with a range of health risks, including endocrine disruption and inflammatory responses, with vulnerable populations being particularly at risk. Wildlife and aquatic organisms also suffer from the effects of microplastics, which bioaccumulate and biomagnify through trophic levels, disrupting ecosystems and biodiversity. Adopting a One Health perspective is crucial for addressing microplastic pollution. This interdisciplinary approach calls for the integration of health impacts across humans, animals, and the environment, necessitating comprehensive policy and management strategies. Mitigation efforts should focus on reducing plastic production and consumption, enhancing waste management systems, and fostering international cooperation. In the post-COVID-19 era, it is essential to address the increased plastic use and develop sustainable solutions to manage plastic waste. Innovations in plastic alternatives, advancements in detection and remediation technologies, and public awareness campaigns are vital for mitigating the impacts of microplastics. Addressing microplastic pollution through a One Health approach requires urgent, coordinated efforts and global policies to protect public and environmental health.