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Global Insights into Micro- and Nanoplastic Pollution in Surface Water: A Review
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This review analyzed 194 published studies on micro- and nanoplastic pollution across marine, freshwater, and wastewater systems worldwide. Researchers found that the distribution of these particles is influenced by their physical and chemical properties as well as environmental conditions. The study assessed current sampling, detection, and removal techniques while identifying ecological risks and potential toxic effects on living organisms through direct and indirect exposure.
Microplastics (<5 mm) and nanoplastics (~100 nm), which are invisible to the naked eye, originate primarily from fragmentation and breakdown larger plastic debris are increasingly pervasive in the environment. Once released, they can disperse widely in the environment, pollute them adversely and ultimately be taken up by living organisms, including humans, through multiple exposure pathways. Their distribution in aquatic systems is influenced by their physiochemical properties including density, hydrophobicity, and chemical stability, along with environmental conditions and biological activities. To better understand the dynamics of micro- and nanoplastics in surface water, this study conducted a comprehensive review of 194 published articles and scientific reports covering marine, freshwater, and wastewater systems. We assessed the abundance, spatial distribution and the factors that govern their behavior in aquatic systems and analyzed the sampling techniques, pretreatment process, and detection and removal techniques to understand the ongoing scenario of these pollutants in surface water and to identify the ecological risks and potential toxicological effects on living biota via direct and indirect exposure pathways.
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Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Environment: Sources, Toxicity, and Ecological Implications
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This review summarized the sources, environmental distribution, toxicological effects, and ecological impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics, drawing on two decades of research across marine, freshwater, soil, and atmospheric environments. The paper highlighted the global scale of MNP contamination and the urgent need for policy action to reduce plastic pollution.
Micro- and Nano-Plastics Contaminants in the Environment: Sources, Fate, Toxicity, Detection, Remediation, and Sustainable Perspectives
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This review provides a broad overview of micro- and nanoplastic pollution, covering where these particles come from, how they spread through the environment, and the damage they cause to living things including humans. The authors also compare different methods for removing microplastics from the environment, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches. The paper calls for more research and global cooperation to develop better tools for measuring the health risks of plastic pollution.
Effects of micro- and nanoplastics on aquatic ecosystems: Current research trends and perspectives
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This review covers 83 studies on the distribution and toxic effects of micro- and nanoplastics in both marine and freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Researchers found that these tiny particles affected the growth, development, behavior, reproduction, and survival of a wide range of aquatic organisms. The paper identifies key research gaps and suggests future directions for understanding the full ecological impact of plastic pollution in aquatic environments.
Microplastics in Water Bodies and in the Environment
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This review examines microplastics and nanoplastics as emerging pollutants of concern in water bodies and broader environments, synthesizing current knowledge on their sources, distribution, detection methods, and ecological and human health implications. It discusses the challenges of monitoring these contaminants across freshwater, marine, and terrestrial systems given the diversity of particle types, sizes, and polymer compositions involved.
State of the Art of Microplastic and Nanoplastic Pollution: Origin and Removal Methods
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This review traces the origins of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution, examining their sources, environmental pathways, and removal methods across water, soil, and air, as well as their instantaneous and long-term effects on living organisms. The study emphasizes that despite recognition as a contaminant since 2004, micro- and nanoplastics remain poorly regulated globally.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.