Human health concerns regarding microplastics in the aquatic environment - From marine to food systems

Divergent Forms of Pyroplastic: Lessons Learned from the M/V X-Press Pearl Ship Fire

“…It is well-known that fragmentation can be accelerated by weathering processes such as exposure to UV irradiation and mechanical abrasion. − Susceptibility of plastics to mechanical fragmentation can be enhanced by exposure to high temperatures . Smaller particles are more likely to be taken up by organisms, increasing the potential for toxicity. , Moreover, the physical and chemical properties of pyroplastic-derived particles are likely to differ from those generated from unburned plastic, altering their toxicological properties. For example, the high concentrations of PAHs present on some pyroplastic-derived nanoplastics could lead to enhanced toxicity .…”

Release of microplastics and nanoplastics in water from disposable surgical masks after disinfection

“…In addition, the toxicity of NPs is related to its size, and the smaller the size, the greater the potential toxicity to marine zooplankton ( Novotna et al, 2019 ). NPs can also threaten human health through the food chain ( Jiang et al, 2020 ; Yuan et al, 2022 ). Therefore, the NPs of 0–100 nm in size generated from masks disinfected by steam and alcohol have greater potentially hazardous, and the pollution in aqueous environments caused by the release of MPs and NPs from disinfected masks requires attention.…”

Microplastic profusion in food and drinking water: are microplastics becoming a macroproblem?

“…132 The release of microplastics due to the degradation of the plastic material from tea bags, disposable paper cups, and infant feeding bottles brewing hot liquid at or above 80 C provokes the issue of direct exposure to microplastics further. [145][146][147][148] Recently, a study ascertained the average microplastic concentration as follows; tap water ¼ 4. 149 The probable route for contamination was assigned to the water source used during the production processes and/or the process of beverage packaging.…”

“…132 The release of microplastics due to the degradation of the plastic material from tea bags, disposable paper cups, and infant feeding bottles brewing hot liquid at or above 80 °C provokes the issue of direct exposure to microplastics further. 145–148 Recently, a study ascertained the average microplastic concentration as follows; tap water = 4.23 MPs per L, bottled water = 94.37 MPs per L, alcohol = 32.27 MPs per L, salt = 0.11 MPs per g, honey = 0.10 MPs per g, sugar = 0.44 MPs per g, and seafood = 1.48 MPs per g, where daily consumption of plastic particles by female adults, female children, male adults, and male children was 126, 106, 142, and 113, respectively. 75 Kosuth et al reported the potential exposure of 5800 particles per year for tap water, beer, and salt.…”