Purpose of Review <p>Plastics are widely used for their affordability and versatility, but their accumulation in the environment raises growing concerns. Microplastics (MPs), formed intentionally or through degradation of larger plastics, are persistent and pervasive. This review explores recent findings on environmental occurrence, human exposure, health effects, and strategies for MP removal. Information on nanoplastics (NPs) was included when available.</p> Recent Findings <p>MPs from major plastic types are increasingly found in environmental compartments and in human fluids, tissues, and organs. Emerging evidence links MP exposure to adverse digestive and respiratory health effects. While some remediation strategies show potential in reducing environmental MP release, research is still limited on effectively minimizing human exposure.</p> Summary <p>Future research should emphasize using well-characterized reference MP materials in human health and remediation studies. These materials must be relevant in size, shape, and polymer type to those identified in environmental and exposure studies, improving the accuracy and applicability of findings.</p>

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Tracking Microplastics From Source to Impact: A Review of Environmental Presence, Exposure, Remediation, and Health Risks

  • Imari Walker-Franklin,
  • Anna Villalobos Santeli,
  • Natalia Neal-Walthall

摘要

Purpose of Review

Plastics are widely used for their affordability and versatility, but their accumulation in the environment raises growing concerns. Microplastics (MPs), formed intentionally or through degradation of larger plastics, are persistent and pervasive. This review explores recent findings on environmental occurrence, human exposure, health effects, and strategies for MP removal. Information on nanoplastics (NPs) was included when available.

Recent Findings

MPs from major plastic types are increasingly found in environmental compartments and in human fluids, tissues, and organs. Emerging evidence links MP exposure to adverse digestive and respiratory health effects. While some remediation strategies show potential in reducing environmental MP release, research is still limited on effectively minimizing human exposure.

Summary

Future research should emphasize using well-characterized reference MP materials in human health and remediation studies. These materials must be relevant in size, shape, and polymer type to those identified in environmental and exposure studies, improving the accuracy and applicability of findings.