We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Research progress on distribution, sources, identification, toxicity, and biodegradation of microplastics in the ocean, freshwater, and soil environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This comprehensive review maps the distribution, sources, identification methods, toxicity, and biodegradation of microplastics across oceanic, freshwater, and soil environments. The synthesis underscores that microplastics are persistent global pollutants with broad ecological and health impacts, while microbial biodegradation offers a promising avenue for remediation.
Microplastics (MPs) are distributed in the oceans, freshwater, and soil environment and have become major pollutants. MPs are generally referred to as plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter. They consist of primary microplastics synthesized in microscopic size manufactured production and secondary microplastics generated by physical and environmental degradation. Plastic particles are long-lived pollutants that are highly resistant to environmental degradation. In this review, the distribution and possible sources of MPs in aquatic and terrestrial environments are described. Moreover, the adverse effects of MPs on natural creatures due to ingestion have been discussed. We also have summarized identification methods based on MPs particle size and chemical bond. To control the pollution of MPs, the biodegradation of MPs under the action of different microbes has also been reviewed in this work. This review will contribute to a better understanding of MPs pollution in the environment, as well as their identification, toxicity, and biodegradation in the ocean, freshwater, and soil, and the assessment and control of microplastics exposure.
More Papers Like This
Research Progress of the Sources, Distribution Characteristics, and Potential Risks of Microplastics in the Global Marine Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed 43 studies across 13 Asian countries and found suspended airborne microplastics ranging from 0.017 to 18,880 particles/m³ outdoors and up to 8,865 particles/m³ indoors, predominantly as fibers and fragments of polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET. The pervasiveness of airborne MPs across Asia—from megacities to ocean environments—demonstrates that inhalation is a significant and underappreciated human exposure route for these persistent pollutants.
Occurrence, Fate, and Biodegradation of Microplastics in Marine Environments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how microplastics — synthetic polymer fragments smaller than 5mm — spread through marine environments, persist over long periods, and undergo partial biodegradation. The widespread distribution of these particles in oceans raises ongoing concerns about their effects on marine life and the humans who eat seafood.
Microplastics in the environment: their sources, distribution, and dangerous status
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed the environmental risks of microplastics in soil and aquatic ecosystems, finding that while evidence of contamination in water is substantial, the scale and biological impacts in soil remain poorly understood, with existing detection methods still inadequate for fully characterizing the threat.
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.
Microplastic in the environment: identification, occurrence, and mitigation measures
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic bits called microplastics have turned up in our oceans, soil, and even the air we breathe, and this review pulls together what scientists currently know about where they come from and how harmful they might be. The catch: researchers still don't have standardized, reliable ways to detect and measure these particles, especially the even tinier "nanoplastics", which makes it hard to fully understand the health risks. The takeaway for consumers is that microplastic exposure is likely widespread, but scientists need better tools before we can say exactly how dangerous it is.
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.