review · Environmental Chemistry Letters
This review examines the sources, formation, occurrence, toxicity, and remediation methods of microplastics, which are a significant environmental and health concern. Microplastics originate predominantly from land-based sources, with a smaller contribution from ocean-based sources, and are now found in most ecosystems and human biological samples, including blood and placenta. They are linked to various health issues in humans and animals, such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, and oxidative stress, even at low concentrations. The review outlines several remediation techniques, including coagulation, membrane bioreactors, and photocatalytic degradation. It also highlights control strategies, such as reducing plastic usage, promoting behavioural change, and adopting biodegradable plastics, alongside a minimisation hierarchy from prevention to disposal.
Microplastic pollution poses a serious threat to both environmental health and human well-being, with evidence of their presence in biological systems and links to various diseases. Understanding their sources, impacts, and effective remediation and control strategies is crucial for mitigating this global challenge and protecting ecosystems and public health.
The abstract identifies several remediation methods, such as membrane bioreactors, sand filtration, adsorption, and photocatalytic degradation, which could form the basis for developing new or improved waste treatment technologies. These technologies could be applied in water treatment plants or industrial settings to remove microplastics. Additionally, the emphasis on biodegradable plastics and behavioural change suggests opportunities for developing sustainable material alternatives and public engagement programmes. This research is foundational, indicating early-stage development for potential applications in environmental engineering and materials science.
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Microplastic pollution is becoming a major issue for human health due to the recent discovery of microplastics in most ecosystems. Here, we review the sources, formation, occurrence, toxicity and remediation methods of microplastics. We distinguish ocean-based and land-based sources of microplastics. Microplastics have been found in biological samples such as faeces, sputum, saliva, blood and placenta. Cancer, intestinal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, infectious and inflammatory diseases are induced or mediated by microplastics. Microplastic exposure during pregnancy and maternal period is also discussed. Remediation methods include coagulation, membrane bioreactors, sand filtration, adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, electrocoagulation and magnetic separation. Control strategies comprise reducing plastic usage, behavioural change, and using biodegradable plastics. Global plastic production has risen dramatically over the past 70 years to reach 359 million tonnes. China is the world's top producer, contributing 17.5% to global production, while Turkey generates the most plastic waste in the Mediterranean region, at 144 tonnes per day. Microplastics comprise 75% of marine waste, with land-based sources responsible for 80-90% of pollution, while ocean-based sources account for only 10-20%. Microplastics induce toxic effects on humans and animals, such as cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress, barrier attributes, and genotoxicity, even at minimal dosages of 10 μg/mL. Ingestion of microplastics by marine animals results in alterations in gastrointestinal tract physiology, immune system depression, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, differential gene expression, and growth inhibition. Furthermore, bioaccumulation of microplastics in the tissues of aquatic organisms can have adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem, with potential transmission of microplastics to humans and birds. Changing individual behaviours and governmental actions, such as implementing bans, taxes, or pricing on plastic carrier bags, has significantly reduced plastic consumption to 8-85% in various countries worldwide. The microplastic minimisation approach follows an upside-down pyramid, starting with prevention, followed by reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, and ending with disposal as the least preferable option.
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DOI: 10.1007/s10311-023-01593-3
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