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Microplastics and NanoplasticsOrigin, Fate and Effects
Summary
This book chapter provides a broad introduction to micro- and nanoplastics, covering their origin from plastic degradation, their spread through the environment, and their entry into the food chain. The authors highlight that current analytical methods are largely limited to detection, while the full scope of health and ecological effects remains to be determined.
Microplastics and nanoplastics are produced in huge amounts to cater to the needs of a growing global population, irrespective of the known accumulation and degradation challenges associated with them. They are not only amassing in the environment but also entering the food chain, thereby posing a threat to the health of all living beings, as perceived from their foremost appearance on land, diverse water bodies, atmosphere, plants and even animals. Existing analytical methods are merely able to detect the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in the ecological matrix. Thus, it is imperative to introduce ultrasensitive analytical techniques capable of detecting and quantifying the micro/nanoplastic particles, along with assessment of their possible toxic effects. This chapter will provide an insight into the origin, fate and effects of microplastics and nanoplastics, with emphasis on the status quo of the risk factors and analytical methodologies.