We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in the environment: impact on human health and future mitigation strategies
Summary
This review examines the sources and environmental pathways of microplastic contamination, the evidence for human health impacts from dietary and inhalation exposure, and emerging mitigation strategies including water treatment improvements and policy interventions.
Plastic is a synthetic material that has gradually been integrated into nearly all aspects of human life because of its malleable and durable nature; it can commonly be found in consumer products such as textiles, beauty products, and food packaging. The massive prevalence of plastic-based items in our society poses a potential threat to human health and the environment. Since plastic material can physically degrade over time, there is growing concern over the production of microplastics (MPs), which are plastic particles that are ≤5 mm in size. Recent studies confirming the presence of MPs in our environment and drinking water have garnered significant attention worldwide because of the potential impact on human health. As a result of growing public concerns, legislative action has been taken in Canada to ban the manufacture and importation of personal care products containing microbeads. MPs are a new and upcoming issue that the environmental public health field should monitor. In the future, we may play a major role in educating the public on what microplastics are and their impact on our health in addition to consulting stakeholders as regulations get implemented.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic: Unveiling the Stealthy Polluters in Our Water
This review covers microplastic contamination in water sources, documenting sources, environmental pathways, analytical detection methods, and potential human health risks from drinking water containing plastic particles, along with emerging mitigation strategies.
Microplastics in Water: Occurrence, Human Health Impact and Methods of Analysis
This review covers the occurrence of microplastics in water sources globally, summarizing human health impacts from ingestion and inhalation, and evaluating available treatment technologies for removing microplastics from drinking water. The authors conclude that conventional water treatment is insufficient for complete microplastic removal.
A Review of the Current Literature on Sources and Mitigation Strategies of Microplastics in Drinking Water
Researchers reviewed the key sources of microplastic contamination in drinking water — including plastic waste, synthetic clothing, and microbeads in personal care products — and assessed strategies for reducing exposure through improved treatment technologies and stricter regulations on plastic production. The review emphasizes that effective policy, combined with public awareness about single-use plastics, is essential for protecting drinking water quality.
Microplastics in aquatic environment: Challenges and perspectives
This review provides a comprehensive overview of microplastic pollution in water environments, covering sources, transport, health effects, detection methods, and control strategies. Microplastics enter waterways from everyday plastic products, industrial discharge, and wastewater treatment plants, where aquatic organisms ingest them and pass them up the food chain. The review highlights the urgent need for better analytical techniques and global policies to reduce microplastic contamination that ultimately reaches human food and drinking water.
Exposure sources and pathways of micro- and nanoplastics in the environment, with emphasis on potential effects in humans: A systematic review
This systematic review maps out all the ways humans are exposed to microplastics — through drinking water, food, and the air we breathe. The research highlights that current water treatment technology does not fully filter out microplastics, and their accumulation in the body may pose risks to human health.