A Path to a Reduction in Micro and Nanoplastics Pollution

Abstract

Microplastics (MP) are plastic particles less than 5 mm in size. There are two categories of MP: primary and secondary. Primary or microscopic-sized MP are intentionally produced material. Fragmentation of large plastic debris through physical, chemical, and oxidative processes creates secondary MP, the most abundant type in the environment. Microplastic pollution has become a global environmental problem due to their abundance, poor biodegradability, toxicological properties, and negative impact on aquatic and terrestrial organisms including humans. Plastic debris enters the aquatic environment via direct dumping or uncontrolled land-based sources. While plastic debris slowly degrades into MP, wastewater and stormwater outlets discharge a large amount of MP directly into water bodies. Additionally, stormwater carries MP from sources such as tire wear, artificial turf, fertilizers, and land-applied biosolids. To protect the environment and human health, the entry of MP into the environment must be reduced or eliminated. Source control is one of the best methods available. The existing and growing abundance of MP in the environment requires the use of multiple strategies to combat pollution. These strategies include reducing the usage, public outreach to eliminate littering, reevaluation and use of new wastewater treatment and sludge disposal methods, regulations on macro and MP sources, and a wide implementation of appropriate stormwater management practices such as filtration, bioretention, and wetlands.

Beyond genetics: can micro and nanoplastics induce epigenetic and gene-expression modifications?

“…In conclusion, there is a need to better understand the toxicity mechanisms relating to MPs and NPs pollution, as well as to increase and improve useful technologies for cleaning environmental matrices, improve recycling laws, and most importantly, raise awareness among the general public worldwide, especially in developing nations (Meegoda and Hettiarachchi, 2023).…”

Microplastic Pollution Prevention: The Need for Robust Policy Interventions to Close the Loopholes in Current Waste Management Practices

“…The release pathways of MPs into the environment are abundant and varied. One of the main known points of entry into the environment is Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) [14]. Residential, commercial, and industrial wastewater already contains MP due to the presence of items such as cosmetics, hygiene products, wet wipes, facial scrubs, cigarette butts, and cleaning products.…”

“…All advanced WWTPs are equipped with tertiary treatment, during which the wastewater is subjected to further filtration followed by additional disinfecting treatment. Although these three processes (primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment) are able to remove about 90% of MPs from wastewater, they are not effective in removing MP particles smaller than 250 µm [14]. In addition, the MPs retained together with sewage sludge during the three stages of treatment, can re-enter terrestrial ecosystems when/if sewage sludge is used for land applications (defined as biosolids).…”