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Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Freshwater and Terrestrial Environment: A Review
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This review critically analyzes the current state of research on micro- and nanoplastic pollution in freshwater and terrestrial environments. Researchers examine how these particles are transported through soil and water systems, their environmental fate, and their ecological impacts on living organisms. The study identifies significant knowledge gaps in the field, particularly around the characterization of nanoplastics and the long-term effects of plastic particle accumulation in non-marine environments.
This review is a critical analysis of current freshwater and terrestrial research with an emphasis on transport, behaviour, fate and subsequent ecological impacts that plastic pollution poses. The current methods of extraction and evaluation of organic-rich samples are also explored for both micro- and nanoplastics. Furthermore, micro- and nanoplastics are discussed with reference to their environmental and health implications for biota. Regulations imposed on the manufacture and distribution of plastics globally are also noted. Within the review, the current literature has been presented and knowledge gaps identified. These include the characterization and quantification of micro- and nanoplastics entering and forming within the freshwater and terrestrial environment, the fate and behaviour of micro- and nanoplastics under varying conditions and the impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.
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The Fate and Risk of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Terrestrial Ecosystems
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This research review summarizes what scientists currently know about tiny plastic particles (called micro- and nanoplastics) that contaminate soil and land environments. The study found that while researchers have learned a lot about plastic pollution, there are still major gaps in understanding how these particles move through soil, affect plants and animals, and potentially reach humans through food. This matters because these microscopic plastics could enter our food supply through crops grown in contaminated soil, but scientists don't yet fully understand the health risks.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Terrestrial Systems
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This review summarizes the current understanding of micro- and nanoplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystems, which have received far less research attention than aquatic environments. Researchers examined how these particles enter soils through agricultural practices, sewage sludge application, and atmospheric deposition, and how they affect soil organisms and plant growth. The study highlights that terrestrial systems may be a major reservoir of plastic pollution with ecological consequences that are only beginning to be understood.
Environmental Fate and Ecological Risk of Micro- and Nanoplastics across Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems
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Scientists reviewed existing research on tiny plastic particles (microplastics and nanoplastics) and found they're spreading throughout soil, rivers, and oceans, where animals eat them and pass them up the food chain. These plastic particles cause stress and health problems in wildlife, but researchers still don't fully understand the long-term effects or how much exposure is dangerous. This matters because these same plastic particles can end up in our food and water, but we need better research methods to understand the real risks to human health.
Microplastics in freshwater and terrestrial environments: Evaluating the current understanding to identify the knowledge gaps and future research priorities
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This review evaluates the current understanding of microplastic pollution in freshwater and terrestrial environments, which have received far less research attention than marine systems despite being major sources and accumulation zones. Researchers highlight that agricultural areas, urban centers, and wastewater treatment processes are key pathways for microplastic contamination on land. The paper identifies critical knowledge gaps and calls for more research into how microplastics behave and persist in soils and freshwater systems.
A review on occurrence, characteristics, toxicology and treatment of nanoplastic waste in the environment
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This review summarizes the current understanding of nanoplastic pollution, including sources, occurrence in water, soil, and air, and potential toxicity to aquatic and terrestrial organisms. The study highlights major gaps in analytical methods for detecting nanoplastics and calls for more research on their environmental fate and health effects.
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.