Micro- and Nano-Plastics Contaminants in the Environment: Sources, Fate, Toxicity, Detection, Remediation, and Sustainable Perspectives

Abstract

The continuous production and widespread applications of synthetic plastics and their waste present immense environmental challenges and damage living systems. Microplastics (MPs) have become of great concern in various ecosystems due to their high stability and decomposition into smaller fragments such as nano-plastics (NPs). Nevertheless, MPs and NPs can be removed from the environment using several physical, chemical, and microbiological methods. This study presents a comprehensive narrative literature review, which aims to explore the various types of MPs and NPs, their sources, fate, toxicity, and impact on human health and environment. To achieve this aim, the study employed a comprehensive literature review methodology. In addition, it summarizes various methods of sample collection and analysis techniques. Remediation strategies for MPs and NPs removal are assessed and compared. Furthermore, it highlights interlinkages between the sustainable development goals (SDGs)—specifically SDG 14—and plastic pollution. Overall, priority for research and development in the field of MPs and NPs impacts on ecological ecosystems is a must as this will enable the development of scientific polices driven by global collaboration and governance which in turn will develop tools and methodologies that measure the impacts and risk of plastic pollution.

Effect of microplastics used in agronomic practices on agricultural soil properties and plant functions: Potential contribution to the circular economy of rural areas

“…After plastic extraction, MP and NP sizes, polymer type and morphology are identified and quantified by analytical methods. Visual recognition can be made by naked eyes or using an optical or electron microscope (Azeem et al, 2023; Dong et al, 2023; Rashed et al, 2023). However, this method can identify large-sized PMs particles (Fu et al, 2020) and cannot distinguish pigmented MPs or co-polymers from other materials, especially for small particles (Dong et al, 2023).…”

“…Spectroscopic techniques, such as Raman (micro) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), can be used for the identification and quantification of PMs (Azeem et al, 2023; Di Fiore et al, 2023). They can identify the polymer type and distinguish polymers from substances in the samples (Junhao et al, 2021) owing to the spectral signal’s ability to reflect the distinctive characteristic peaks that each type of MP produces (Rashed et al, 2023). The abovementioned were the most common spectroscopic techniques for MP detection, although other spectroscopic methods such as laser direct infrared spectrometry (Dong et al, 2023) and near-infrared spectroscopy (Singh and Kumar, 2024) can also be used.…”

“…The abovementioned were the most common spectroscopic techniques for MP detection, although other spectroscopic methods such as laser direct infrared spectrometry (Dong et al, 2023) and near-infrared spectroscopy (Singh and Kumar, 2024) can also be used. Vibration spectroscopy can also be paired with scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) (Di Fiore et al, 2023; Fu et al, 2020; Rashed et al, 2023).…”

“…By measuring the frequency of vibration and the intensity of the scattered light, a unique fingerprint-like spectrum is produced and the polymers can be identified by comparison with reference spectral libraries (Dong et al, 2023; Singh and Kumar, 2024). FTIR and Raman spectroscopy have identified the polymer type of MP particles with a minimum particle size of 10 and 1 µm, respectively (Rashed et al, 2023).…”

Unraveling the ecotoxicological effects of micro and nano-plastics on aquatic organisms and human health

“…There is an urgent need to find or develop various methods like the use of microorganisms (Herrera et al, 2023) or the use of non-toxic, novel agglomerate (Peller et al, 2024) for degradation of micro and nano plastics for sustainable plastic waste management. Furthermore, social responsibility and a shift in consumer behaviours and habits in adopting low-risk products should also be encouraged (Rashed et al, 2023). Despite an abundance of research on the ingestion and consequences of MNPs, there has been a scarcity of review publications on this topic until recently.…”