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Effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on marine environment and human health
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This review examines the effects of micro- and nanoplastics on marine environments and human health, covering sources, environmental fate, and biological impacts. Researchers summarize evidence that these particles can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of gut microbiota in exposed organisms. The study highlights that while the full extent of health risks remains uncertain, the pervasive presence of plastic particles in food, water, and air makes continued research a public health priority.
Microplastics (MPs) with an average size of less than 5 mm, along with nanoplastics (NPs) of an average size of fewer than 0.1 μm are the result of huge plastic waste fragmentation or straight environmental emissions. Pollution from micro- and nanoplastics is a worldwide paradigm that raises environmental and human health concerns. They may also comprise very harmful chemicals that are implemented in plants and animals when MPs/NPs are used that may lead to higher accumulation of these compounds in food chains. In addition, higher surface area-to-volume ratio, characteristic of MPs/NPs can contribute to their potentially harmful impact as other pollutants, like continuous organic contaminants, can also be bio-accumulated and adsorbed. A complex issue correlated with MPs/NPs is their ability to absorb and interact with other common pollutants in the environment, such as metals, pharmaceuticals, and other contaminants. Thus, MPs/NPs can directly influence on destiny and toxicity of these substances to the environment and organisms. In this review, first, we introduce possible sources and formation, their destinies, and environmental impact of MPs/NPs and then explain feasible paths of all these particles entering the human body. Then, the review highlights the effect of MPs/NPs on human health. Finally, it provides a brief summary of the potential as well as the neurological toxicity of MPs/NPs.
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Advances on micro/nanoplastics and their effects on the living organisms: A review
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This review examines the current state of research on how micro- and nanoplastics affect plants, animals, microorganisms, and humans. Researchers found that these tiny plastic particles can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, reproductive problems, and disruption of gut microbiomes across a wide range of species. The study highlights that while significant progress has been made in understanding these effects, major gaps remain in assessing long-term exposure risks at realistic environmental concentrations.
A review on microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment: Their occurrence, exposure routes, toxic studies, and potential effects on human health
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This review summarizes what is known about how microplastics and nanoplastics enter the human body through food, air, and skin contact, and what they do once inside. Studies on cells and animals show these tiny particles can cause oxidative stress, DNA damage, inflammation, and harm to the immune, digestive, reproductive, and nervous systems. The research makes clear that microplastics are not just an environmental problem but a direct concern for human health.
From environment to body: sources and health consequences of microplastics and nanoplastics in humans
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This review summarizes existing research on how tiny plastic particles called microplastics and nanoplastics enter the human body through food, water, air, and skin contact. Studies cited suggest these particles may build up in tissues and are linked to inflammation, immune problems, and other health issues, though long-term human health risks remain unclear.
Overview of microplastic pollution and its influence on the health of organisms
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This review summarizes microplastic pollution across marine, freshwater, and soil environments and its effects on organisms ranging from plankton to mammals. Microplastics disrupt feeding behavior, trigger oxidative stress, alter gut bacteria, and impair reproduction in exposed species. The authors note that microplastics also enter the human body through food, water, and air, posing potential health risks that require further research.
Health impacts of environmental contamination of micro- and nanoplastics: a review
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This review summarizes the growing body of evidence on micro- and nanoplastic contamination across both marine and terrestrial ecosystems and its potential health effects. Researchers note that these tiny particles accumulate in animals along the food chain, and recent studies have detected microplastics in human stool samples, confirming human exposure through food and water. The study highlights that beyond the particles themselves, the chemical additives and pollutants that cling to plastics may pose additional health risks.
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