To Waste or Not to Waste: Questioning Potential Health Risks of Micro- and Nanoplastics with a Focus on Their Ingestion and Potential Carcinogenicity

Abstract

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are recognized as emerging contaminants, especially in food, with unknown health significance. MNPs passing through the gastrointestinal tract have been brought in context with disruption of the gut microbiome. Several molecular mechanisms have been described to facilitate tissue uptake of MNPs, which then are involved in local inflammatory and immune responses. Furthermore, MNPs can act as potential transporters (“vectors”) of contaminants and as chemosensitizers for toxic substances (“Trojan Horse effect”). In this review, we summarize current multidisciplinary knowledge of ingested MNPs and their potential adverse health effects. We discuss new insights into analytical and molecular modeling tools to help us better understand the local deposition and uptake of MNPs that might drive carcinogenic signaling. We present bioethical insights to basically re-consider the “culture of consumerism.” Finally, we map out prominent research questions in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

Evaluation of Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) for the Measurement of Nanoplastics in Drinking Water

“…Camera level (CL) and detection threshold (DT) optimisation At rst, the NPs' detection with the NS300 using different camera level (CL) and detection threshold (DT) settings was optimised. To do so, an aqueous suspension of 102 nm Nanospheres with a particle concentration of 4x10 8 particles/mL was prepared, analysed with varying CL settings, and processed with three different DT settings (5,10,15). The in uence of both parameters on the particle concentration is illustrated in Fig.…”

“…Due to their smaller dimensions and colloidal properties, NPs could pose an increased hazard to the environment, biota and humans. Currently, the risks associated with accidental exposure to humans and wildlife is raising concern among the general public and awareness of the regulatory authorities (Kiran et al, 2022;Singh et al, 2022;Lai et al, 2022;Gruber et al, 2022).…”

Microplastics: research landscape, challenges, and remediation

“…54,55 15-31% of the microplastics in the oceans were estimated to be primary microplastics, with 35% of them being textile fibers, 28% tire wear particles, and 2% derived from cosmetics. 56 The remaining 69-85% of the microplastics are thus secondary microplastics, derived from fragmentation of larger plastic pieces. 56 In shallow ocean water, microplastics were predominantly polyethylene and polypropylene, while in deeper water microplastics containing polyesters and acrylates were the most prevalent.…”

“…56 The remaining 69-85% of the microplastics are thus secondary microplastics, derived from fragmentation of larger plastic pieces. 56 In shallow ocean water, microplastics were predominantly polyethylene and polypropylene, while in deeper water microplastics containing polyesters and acrylates were the most prevalent. 57 Drinking water obtained from faucets contained 5500 particles per 1000 L. 53 Bottled water contained anywhere from 10-6300 particles/L, with water from glass and reusable plastic containing the most plastic and the number of particles found dependent on the size of particles interrogated.…”

Rapid Quantification of Polyhydroxybutyrate Polymer from Single Bacterial Cells with Mass Spectrometry

“…In addition, this material is not easily degradable, and incineration of the waste plastics increases levels of carbon dioxide and toxic particles in the atmosphere. Nowadays, microplastics (5 mm to 1 μm) and nanoplastics (<1 μm) are found in freshwater, bottled water, plastic teabags dissolved in water, and even in high mountains. − When animals and humans ingest those micro- and nanoplastic particles, uncertain health consequences might happen . Recently, biodegradable plastics have drawn much attention because relatively eco-friendly products could be used for a sustainable society and for solving global environmental and waste management problems .…”