eISSN: 3087-4319 editor@aimjournals.com
All Journals
Submit your article

International Journal of Next-Generation Engineering and Technology

Open Access Peer Review International
Open Access

Human Exposure to Microplastics: Pathways, Internal Distribution, Analytical Detection, and Emerging Toxicological Implications

DOI
pdf
Dr. Elena Marovic 1 ,
4 Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Belgrade, Serbia

Abstract

The global proliferation of plastic materials has led to an unprecedented accumulation of microplastics and nanoplastics in natural ecosystems, with growing evidence indicating their pervasive presence within the human body. Recent advancements in analytical detection have confirmed microplastics in human blood, lung tissue, liver tissue, and other biological matrices, raising profound concerns regarding their potential health implications. This article presents a comprehensive and theoretically grounded examination of human exposure to microplastics, focusing on environmental sources, exposure pathways, internal distribution mechanisms, detection methodologies, and emerging toxicological evidence. Drawing strictly on peer-reviewed references, this work synthesizes atmospheric, dietary, and occupational exposure routes, while critically examining the physicochemical properties of microplastics that influence bioavailability and biological persistence. Particular emphasis is placed on analytical challenges in detecting microplastics in complex human samples, including the application of ÎŒFTIR, GC-MS pyrolysis, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The article further explores mechanistic insights into tissue translocation, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, reproductive toxicity, and potential synergistic effects with co-exposed pollutants such as metals and metalloids. By integrating findings from environmental science, toxicology, and biomedical research, this study highlights critical knowledge gaps, methodological limitations, and future research priorities essential for understanding the long-term implications of microplastic exposure on human health. The analysis underscores the urgent need for standardized definitions, harmonized methodologies, and interdisciplinary approaches to accurately assess risk and inform public health policy.

 

Keywords

Microplastics, Human exposure, Toxicology, Analytical detection

References

Amato-Lourenço, L.F., et al. (2021). Presence of airborne microplastics in human lung tissue. Journal of Hazardous Materials.
Andrady, A.L. (2017). The plastic in microplastics: A review. Marine Pollution Bulletin.
Calogero, A.E., et al. (2021). Exposure to multiple metals/metalloids and human semen quality: A cross-sectional study. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.
Chen, G., et al. (2020). Mini-review of microplastics in the atmosphere and their risks to humans. Science of the Total Environment.
Frias, J.P.G.L., et al. (2019). Microplastics: Finding a consensus on the definition. Marine Pollution Bulletin.
Gomiero, A., et al. (2021). Application of GCMS-pyrolysis to estimate the levels of microplastics in a drinking water supply system. Journal of Hazardous Materials.
Horvatits, T., et al. (2022). Microplastics detected in cirrhotic liver tissue. EBioMedicine.
Hou, B., et al. (2021). Reproductive toxicity of polystyrene microplastics: In vivo experimental study on testicular toxicity in mice. Journal of Hazardous Materials.
Kutralam-Muniasamy, G., et al. (2023). Microplastic diagnostics in humans: Progress, problems, and prospects. Science of the Total Environment.
Leslie, H.A., et al. (2022). Discovery and quantification of plastic particle pollution in human blood. Environment International.
Rodriguez-Saona, L.E., Allendorf, M.E. (2011). Use of FTIR for rapid authentication and detection of adulteration of food. Annual Review of Food Science and Technology.
Filipe, V., et al. (2010). Critical evaluation of nanoparticle tracking analysis by NanoSight for the measurement of nanoparticles and protein aggregates. Pharmaceutical Research.
Wei, R., et al. (2020). Possibilities and limitations of biotechnological plastic degradation and recycling. Nature Catalysis.
Xiang, P., et al. (2023). A novel bacterial combination for efficient degradation of polystyrene microplastics. Journal of Hazardous Materials.

Most read articles by the same author(s)

<< < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >> 

Similar Articles

1-10 of 76

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.