Plastics and Micro/Nano-Plastics (MNPs) in the Environment: Occurrence, Impact, and Toxicity

Edith Dube; Grace Emily Okuthe

doi:10.3390/ijerph20176667

journal article Open Access Aug 28, 2023

Plastics and Micro/Nano-Plastics (MNPs) in the Environment: Occurrence, Impact, and Toxicity

Edith Dube

Grace Emily Okuthe

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 20 No. 17 pp. 6667 · MDPI AG

View at Publisher Save 10.3390/ijerph20176667

Abstract

Plastics, due to their varied properties, find use in different sectors such as agriculture, packaging, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and construction, to mention a few. Excessive use of plastics results in a lot of plastic waste buildup. Poorly managed plastic waste (as shown by heaps of plastic waste on dumpsites, in free spaces, along roads, and in marine systems) and the plastic in landfills, are just a fraction of the plastic waste in the environment. A complete picture should include the micro and nano-plastics (MNPs) in the hydrosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere, as the current extreme weather conditions (which are effects of climate change), wear and tear, and other factors promote MNP formation. MNPs pose a threat to the environment more than their pristine counterparts. This review highlights the entry and occurrence of primary and secondary MNPs in the soil, water and air, together with their aging. Furthermore, the uptake and internalization, by plants, animals, and humans are discussed, together with their toxicity effects. Finally, the future perspective and conclusion are given. The material utilized in this work was acquired from published articles and the internet using keywords such as plastic waste, degradation, microplastic, aging, internalization, and toxicity.

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Details

Published: Aug 28, 2023
Vol/Issue: 20(17)
Pages: 6667
License: View

Authors

E

Edith Dube

Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa

G

Grace Emily Okuthe

Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa

Cite This Article

Edith Dube, Grace Emily Okuthe (2023). Plastics and Micro/Nano-Plastics (MNPs) in the Environment: Occurrence, Impact, and Toxicity. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(17), 6667. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20176667

Plastics and Micro/Nano-Plastics (MNPs) in the Environment: Occurrence, Impact, and Toxicity

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