Microplastics in environment: global concern, challenges, and controlling measures

Abstract

Plastic pollution in various forms has emerged as the most severe environmental threat. Small plastic chunks, such as microplastics and nanoplastics derived from primary and secondary sources, are a major concern worldwide due to their adverse effects on the environment and public health. Several years have been spent developing robust spectroscopic techniques that should be considered top-notch; however, researchers are still trying to find efficient and straightforward methods for the analysis of microplastics but have yet to develop a viable solution. Because of the small size of these degraded plastics, they have been found in various species, from human brains to blood and digestive systems. Several pollution-controlling methods have been tested in recent years, and these methods are prominent and need to be developed. Bacterial degradation, sunlight-driven photocatalyst, fuels, and biodegradable plastics could be game-changers in future research on plastic pollution control. However, recent fledgling steps in controlling methods appear insufficient due to widespread contamination. As a result, proper regulation of environmental microplastics is a significant challenge, and the most equitable way to manage plastic pollution. Therefore, this paper discusses the current state of microplastics, some novel and well-known identification techniques, strategies for overcoming microplastic effects, and needed solutions to mitigate this planetary pollution. This review article, we believe, will fill a void in the field of plastic identification and pollution mitigation research.

Impact of Micro- and Nanoplastics on Mitochondria

“…MNPs can be classified into two types based on their source of origin: primary MNPs originate from pre-production plastic pellets in manufacturing industries, scrubbers, plastic resin flakes, plastic powder, commercial cleaning abrasives, or fluff used to produce plastic goods [ 37 ]. Secondary MNPs originate from the breakdown of larger plastic materials [ 38 ], and the frequency of fragmentation depends on the environmental conditions. MNPs penetrate the environment through land-based sources, atmospheric deposition, air transportation, textiles, and aquaculture ( Figure 2 ).…”

Investigating the Impact of Microplastics on Fish Muscle Cell Proliferation and Differentiation: Enhancing Food Safety in Cultivated Meat Production

“…Nanoscale microplastics can lead to the creation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), suggesting that they may cause stress to cells by promoting oxidative reactions (Campanale et al, 2020; Paul et al, 2020; Yee et al, 2021). Concurrent inflammatory responses may destabilize cellular homeostasis, possibly marking the onset of apoptosis (Elmore, 2007; Lamichhane et al, 2023; Wright et al, 2013). There could also be direct physical effects, such as potential damage or blockages in tissues, especially in organisms with multiple cell types (Bhagat et al, 2021; Yee et al, 2021).…”

Direct and Indirect Impacts of Disposable Face Masks and Gloves on Freshwater Benthic Fauna and Sediment Biogeochemistry

“…Previous studies have further identified fibers as particularly ecologically harmful (see recent reviews by Singh et al, 96 Lamichhane et al, 97 and Mason et al 82 ), though it remains unclear if microfiber toxicity is driven by this specific morphology causing physical entanglement, or if the chemical composition of the respective plastics includes harmful additives. Face mask fragments, which were primarily polypropylene (Supplemental Information Figure S-1), induced a 65% reduction in the final population of L. variegatus relative to the control after 30 days (t = 5.9, df = 7.6, p = 0.011; Figure 1A).…”