Microplastic Pollution: The Real Potential Threats to Human Being
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Published
Feb 29, 2024
Abstract
The emergence of microplastic pollution has become a significant environmental concern that has far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human health on a global scale. Microplastics, which are defined as plastic particulates smaller than five millimeters, are pervasive in our surroundings and originate from a variety of sources, including industrial processes, plastic products, and the degradation of larger plastics. This article examines the tangible risks that microplastic pollution presents to human beings, encompassing its origins, distribution, health consequences, and contamination of soil, water, food, and air. Through an analysis of ongoing regulatory initiatives, mitigation tactics, and the necessity for additional investigation, our objective is to elucidate the intricacies of this matter and underscore the critical nature of confronting microplastic pollution in order to safeguard the environment and human health.
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Keywords
Plastics, Microplastics, Pollution, Health, Human
References
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23. Bhuyan MS. Effects of microplastics on fish and in human health. Front Environ Sci 2022; 10:827289. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.827289
24. Dey TK, Uddin ME, Jamal M. Detection and removal of microplastics in wastewater: Evolution and impact. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28(14):16925-16947. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-12943-5
25. Yang W, Jannatun N, Zeng Y, Liu T, Zhang G, Chen C, Li Y. Impacts of microplastics on immunity. Front. Toxicol 4:956885. 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/ftox.2022.956885
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34. Prata JC, Dias-Pereira P. Microplastics in terrestrial domestic animals and human health: Implications for food security and food safety and their role as sentinels. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13(4):661. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040661
35. Kentin E, Kaarto H. An EU ban on microplastics in cosmetic products and the right to regulate. Rev Eur Compar Int Environ Law 2018; 27:254-266. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/reel.12269
36. Frieden TR. Six components necessary for effective public health program implementation. Am J Public Health 2014; 104(1):17-22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2013.301608
37. Yang H, Chen G, Wang J. Microplastics in the marine environment: Sources, fates, impacts and microbial degradation. Toxics 2021; 9(2):41. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9020041
38. Nasir MS, Tahir I, Ali A, Ayub I, Nasir A, Abbas N, Sajjad U, Hamid K. Innovative technologies for removal of micro plastic: A review of recent advances. Heliyon 2024; 10(4):e25883. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25883
39. Li W, Wang J, Xiong Z, Li D. Micro/nanorobots for efficient removal and degradation of micro/nanoplastics. Cell Reports Physical Science 2023; 4(11):101639. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2023.101639
40. Anand U, Dey S, Bontempi E, Ducoli S, Vethaak AD, Dey A, Federici S. Biotechnological methods to remove microplastics: A review. Environ Chem Lett 2023; 21(3):1787-1810. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-022-01552-4
41. Rashed AH, Yesilay G, Hazeem L, Rashdan S, AlMealla R, Kilinc Z, Ali F, Abdulrasool F, Kamel AH. Micro- and nano-plastics contaminants in the environment: Sources, fate, toxicity, detection, remediation, and sustainable perspectives. Water 2023; 15(20):3535. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w15203535
2. Alberghini L, Truant A, Santonicola S, Colavita G, Giaccone V. Microplastics in fish and fishery products and risks for human health: A review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 20(1):789. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010789
3. Campanale C, Massarelli C, Savino I, Locaputo V, Uricchio VF. A detailed review study on potential effects of microplastics and additives of concern on human health. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17(4):1212. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041212
4. Lamichhane G, Acharya A, Marahatha R, Modi B, Paudel R, Adhikari A, Raut BK, Aryal S, Parajuli N. Microplastics in environment: Global concern, challenges, and controlling measures. Int J Environ Sci Technol (Tehran) 2023; 20(4):4673-4694. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-022-04261-1
5. Pironti C, Ricciardi M, Motta O, Miele Y, Proto A, Montano L. Microplastics in the environment: Intake through the food web, human exposure and toxicological effects. Toxics 2021; 9(9):224. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9090224
6. Emenike EC, Okorie CJ, Ojeyemi T, Egbemhenghe A, Iwuozor KO, Saliu OD, Okoro HK, Adeniyi AG. From oceans to dinner plates: The impact of microplastics on human health. Heliyon 2023; 9(10):e20440. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20440
7. Bashir SM, Kimiko S, Mak CW, Fang JKH, Gonçalves D. Personal care and cosmetic products as a potential source of environmental contamination by microplastics in a densely populated Asian city. Front Mar Sci 2021; 8:683482. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.683482
8. Jung YS, Sampath V, Prunicki M, Aguilera J, Allen H, LaBeaud D, Veidis E, Barry M, Erny B, Patel L, Akdis C, Akdis M, Nadeau K. Characterization and regulation of microplastic pollution for protecting planetary and human health. Environ Pollut 2022; 315:120442. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120442
9. Sacco NA, Zoppas FM, Devard A, González Muñoz MdP, García G, Marchesini FA. Recent advances in microplastics removal from water with special attention given to photocatalytic degradation: Review of scientific research. Microplastics 2023; 2(3):278-303. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics2030023
10. Smith M, Love DC, Rochman CM, Neff RA. Microplastics in seafood and the implications for human health. Curr Environ Health Rep 2018; 5(3):375-386. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40572-018-0206-z
11. Sendra M, Sparaventi E, Novoa B, Figueras A. An overview of the internalization and effects of microplastics and nanoplastics as pollutants of emerging concern in bivalves. Sci Total Environ 2021; 753:142024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142024
12. Cholewińska P, Moniuszko H, Wojnarowski K, Pokorny P, Szeligowska N, Dobicki W, Polechoński R, Górniak W. The occurrence of microplastics and the formation of biofilms by pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria as threats in aquaculture. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19(13):8137. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19138137
13. Ullah S, Ahmad S, Guo X, Ullah S, Ullah S, Nabi G, Wanghe K. A review of the endocrine disrupting effects of micro and nano plastic and their associated chemicals in mammals. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 13:1084236. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.1084236
14. Gruber ES, Stadlbauer V, Pichler V, Resch-Fauster K, Todorovic A, Meisel TC, Trawoeger S, Hollóczki O, Turner SD, Wadsak W, Vethaak AD, Kenner L. To waste or not to waste: Questioning potential health risks of micro- and nanoplastics with a focus on their ingestion and potential carcinogenicity. Expo Health 2023; 15(1):33-51. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12403-022-00470-8
15. Lee Y, Cho J, Sohn J, Kim C. Health effects of microplastic exposures: Current issues and perspectives in South Korea. Yonsei Med J 2023; 64(5):301-308. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2023.0048
16. Lu K, Zhan D, Fang Y, Li L, Chen G, Chen S, Wang L. Microplastics, potential threat to patients with lung diseases. Front Toxicol 2022; 4:958414. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/ftox.2022.958414. Erratum in: Front Toxicol. 2022; 4:1119994.
17. Khan FR, Catarino AI, Clark NJ. The ecotoxicological consequences of microplastics and co-contaminants in aquatic organisms: A mini-review. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6(4):339-348. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1042/ETLS20220014
18. Usman S, Abdull Razis AF, Shaari K, Amal MNA, Saad MZ, Mat Isa N, Nazarudin MF, Zulkifli SZ, Sutra J, Ibrahim MA. Microplastics pollution as an invisible potential threat to food safety and security, policy challenges and the way forward. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17(24):9591. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17249591
19. Yee MS, Hii LW, Looi CK, Lim WM, Wong SF, Kok YY, Tan BK, Wong CY, Leong CO. Impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on human health. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2021; 11(2):496. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11020496
20. Bhat MA, Gedik K, Gaga EO. Atmospheric micro (nano) plastics: Future growing concerns for human health. Air Qual Atmos Health 2023; 16(2):233-262. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-022-01272-2
21. Morrison M, Trevisan R, Ranasinghe P, Merrill GB, Santos J, Hong A, Edward WC, Jayasundara N, Somarelli JA. A growing crisis for One Health: Impacts of plastic pollution across layers of biological function. Front Mar Sci 2022; 9:980705. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.980705
22. Miller ME, Hamann M, Kroon FJ. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of microplastics in marine organisms: A review and meta-analysis of current data. PLoS One 2020; 15(10):e0240792. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240792
23. Bhuyan MS. Effects of microplastics on fish and in human health. Front Environ Sci 2022; 10:827289. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.827289
24. Dey TK, Uddin ME, Jamal M. Detection and removal of microplastics in wastewater: Evolution and impact. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28(14):16925-16947. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-12943-5
25. Yang W, Jannatun N, Zeng Y, Liu T, Zhang G, Chen C, Li Y. Impacts of microplastics on immunity. Front. Toxicol 4:956885. 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/ftox.2022.956885
26. Brown E, MacDonald A, Allen S, Allen D. The potential for a plastic recycling facility to release microplastic pollution and possible filtration remediation effectiveness. J Hazard Mat Adv 2023; 10:100309. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazadv.2023.100309
27. Thushari GGN, Senevirathna JDM. Plastic pollution in the marine environment. Heliyon 2020; 6(8):e04709. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04709
28. Haque F, Fan C. Fate of microplastics under the influence of climate change. iScience 2023; 26(9):107649. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.107649
29. Jia L, Liu L, Zhang Y, Fu W, Liu X, Wang Q, Tanveer M, Huang L. Microplastic stress in plants: Effects on plant growth and their remediations. Front Plant Sci 2023; 14:1226484. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2023.1226484
30. Huang D, Wang X, Yin L, Chen S, Tao J, Zhou W, Chen H, Zhang G, Xiao R. Research progress of microplastics in soil-plant system: Ecological effects and potential risks. Sci Total Environ 2022; 812:151487. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151487
31. Li Y, Hou Y, Hou Q, Long M, Wang Z, Rillig MC, Liao Y, Yong T. Soil microbial community parameters affected by microplastics and other plastic residues. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1258606. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1258606
32. Roy T, Dey TK, Jamal M. Microplastic/nanoplastic toxicity in plants: An imminent concern. Environ Monit Assess 2022; 195(1):27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-022-10654-z
33. Webb HK, Arnott J, Crawford RJ, Ivanova EP. Plastic degradation and its environmental implications with special reference to poly(ethylene terephthalate). Polymers 2013; 5(1):1-18. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/polym5010001
34. Prata JC, Dias-Pereira P. Microplastics in terrestrial domestic animals and human health: Implications for food security and food safety and their role as sentinels. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13(4):661. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040661
35. Kentin E, Kaarto H. An EU ban on microplastics in cosmetic products and the right to regulate. Rev Eur Compar Int Environ Law 2018; 27:254-266. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/reel.12269
36. Frieden TR. Six components necessary for effective public health program implementation. Am J Public Health 2014; 104(1):17-22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2013.301608
37. Yang H, Chen G, Wang J. Microplastics in the marine environment: Sources, fates, impacts and microbial degradation. Toxics 2021; 9(2):41. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9020041
38. Nasir MS, Tahir I, Ali A, Ayub I, Nasir A, Abbas N, Sajjad U, Hamid K. Innovative technologies for removal of micro plastic: A review of recent advances. Heliyon 2024; 10(4):e25883. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25883
39. Li W, Wang J, Xiong Z, Li D. Micro/nanorobots for efficient removal and degradation of micro/nanoplastics. Cell Reports Physical Science 2023; 4(11):101639. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2023.101639
40. Anand U, Dey S, Bontempi E, Ducoli S, Vethaak AD, Dey A, Federici S. Biotechnological methods to remove microplastics: A review. Environ Chem Lett 2023; 21(3):1787-1810. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-022-01552-4
41. Rashed AH, Yesilay G, Hazeem L, Rashdan S, AlMealla R, Kilinc Z, Ali F, Abdulrasool F, Kamel AH. Micro- and nano-plastics contaminants in the environment: Sources, fate, toxicity, detection, remediation, and sustainable perspectives. Water 2023; 15(20):3535. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w15203535
How to Cite
Manosuthi, J. (2024). Microplastic Pollution: The Real Potential Threats to Human Being. Science Insights, 44(2), 1263–1272. https://doi.org/10.15354/si.24.re925
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