A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF MICROPLASTIC AND NANOPLASTIC CONTAMINATION: ANALYTICAL CHALLENGES, ECOTOXICOLOGICAL IMPACTS, AND MITIGATION PATHWAYS
Keywords:
Microplastics, Nanoplastics, Analytical Methods, Ecotoxicology, Mitigation Strategies, Plastic Pollution, Environmental ContaminationAbstract
Background: The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in every environmental compartment—from marine trenches to atmospheric fallout—represents a complex and escalating global challenge. While the scale of plastic pollution is recognized, the technical challenges in detection, the nuanced mechanisms of ecotoxicity, and the feasibility of large-scale mitigation remain poorly defined.
Objectives: This comprehensive review synthesizes the current state of knowledge across three critical, interconnected pillars: (1) analytical methodologies for MP and NP detection, (2) the ecotoxicological impacts on biota and potential risks to human health, and (3) emerging mitigation strategies, from source reduction to remediation.
Methods: A systematic review and narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed literature was conducted. This review focuses on the trade-offs of existing analytical techniques (e.g., spectroscopy, thermal analysis), the mechanisms of toxicity (physical, chemical, and nano-specific), and the efficacy of technological and policy-based solutions.
Findings: A significant gap exists between analytical capabilities and environmental reality, particularly for nanoplastics, which evade most current detection methods. Ecotoxicity is driven by a complex interplay of particle size, shape, polymer type, and a "Trojan horse" effect, wherein plastics act as vectors for chemical additives and adsorbed environmental pollutants. This toxicity manifests as physical impairment, oxidative stress, and translocation across biological barriers. While wastewater treatment can capture a high percentage of MPs, it is less effective for NPs. Mitigation solutions like biodegradable plastics present their own complex challenges, often failing to degrade in natural environments.
Conclusions: Addressing the plastic pollution crisis requires a multi-faceted approach. Future research must prioritize the harmonization of analytical methods, the development of technologies to "close the nano gap," and a shift toward environmentally realistic toxicological studies. Simultaneously, effective mitigation must integrate upstream policy interventions with downstream technological solutions to move toward a circular plastic economy.
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