Emergence of Nanoplastic in the Environment and Possible Impact on Human Health
- Roman LehnerRoman LehnerAdolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, SwitzerlandMore by Roman Lehner,
- Christoph WederChristoph WederAdolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, SwitzerlandMore by Christoph Weder,
- Alke Petri-FinkAlke Petri-FinkAdolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, SwitzerlandChemistry Department, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, 1700 Fribourg, SwitzerlandMore by Alke Petri-Fink, and
- Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser*Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser*Phone: +41 26 300 9502; E-mail: [email protected]Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, SwitzerlandMore by Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser
Abstract

On account of environmental concerns, the fate and adverse effects of plastics have attracted considerable interest in the past few years. Recent studies have indicated the potential for fragmentation of plastic materials into nanoparticles, i.e., “nanoplastics,” and their possible accumulation in the environment. Nanoparticles can show markedly different chemical and physical properties than their bulk material form. Therefore possible risks and hazards to the environment need to be considered and addressed. However, the fate and effect of nanoplastics in the (aquatic) environment has so far been little explored. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the literature on this emerging topic, with an emphasis on the reported impacts of nanoplastics on human health, including the challenges involved in detecting plastics in a biological environment. We first discuss the possible sources of nanoplastics and their fates and effects in the environment and then describe the possible entry routes of these particles into the human body, as well as their uptake mechanisms at the cellular level. Since the potential risks of environmental nanoplastics to humans have not yet been extensively studied, we focus on studies demonstrating cell responses induced by polystyrene nanoparticles. In particular, the influence of particle size and surface chemistry are discussed, in order to understand the possible risks of nanoplastics for humans and provide recommendations for future studies.
Cited By
This article is cited by 251 publications.
- Natalia P. Ivleva. Chemical Analysis of Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Challenges, Advanced Methods, and Perspectives. Chemical Reviews 2021, 121 (19) , 11886-11936. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00178
- Chengjun Li, Yan Gao, Shuai He, Hai-Yuan Chi, Ze-Chen Li, Xiao-Xia Zhou, Bing Yan. Quantification of Nanoplastic Uptake in Cucumber Plants by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Environmental Science & Technology Letters 2021, 8 (8) , 633-638. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.1c00369
- Yunhan Yang, Wenting Dong, Qiuli Wu, Dayong Wang. Induction of Protective Response Associated with Expressional Alterations in Neuronal G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Polystyrene Nanoparticle Exposed Caenorhabditis elegans. Chemical Research in Toxicology 2021, 34 (5) , 1308-1318. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00501
- Koushik Ghosh, Brad H. Jones. Roadmap to Biodegradable Plastics—Current State and Research Needs. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 2021, 9 (18) , 6170-6187. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c00801
- Yujian Lai, Lijie Dong, Qingcun Li, Peng Li, Zhineng Hao, Sujuan Yu, Jingfu Liu. Counting Nanoplastics in Environmental Waters by Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy after Cloud-Point Extraction and In Situ Labeling of Gold Nanoparticles. Environmental Science & Technology 2021, 55 (8) , 4783-4791. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.0c06839
- Qing-cun Li, Yu-jian Lai, Su-juan Yu, Peng Li, Xiao-xia Zhou, Li-jie Dong, Xing Liu, Zi-wei Yao, Jing-fu Liu. Sequential Isolation of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Environmental Waters by Membrane Filtration, Followed by Cloud-Point Extraction. Analytical Chemistry 2021, 93 (10) , 4559-4566. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.0c04996
- Matthias C. Rillig, Shin Woong Kim, Tae-Young Kim, Walter R. Waldman. The Global Plastic Toxicity Debt. Environmental Science & Technology 2021, 55 (5) , 2717-2719. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.0c07781
- Qianyun Liu, Chunxiang Chen, Mengting Li, Jia Ke, Yichen Huang, Yuefeng Bian, Shufen Guo, Yang Wu, Yan Han, Mingyuan Liu. Neurodevelopmental Toxicity of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Caenorhabditis elegans and the Regulating Effect of Presenilin. ACS Omega 2020, 5 (51) , 33170-33177. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.0c04830
- Xiangyu Yang, Qiang He, Fucheng Guo, Xiaohui Sun, Junmao Zhang, Mengli Chen, Jan Vymazal, Yi Chen. Nanoplastics Disturb Nitrogen Removal in Constructed Wetlands: Responses of Microbes and Macrophytes. Environmental Science & Technology 2020, 54 (21) , 14007-14016. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.0c03324
- Xinlei Liu, Mehdi Gharasoo, Yu Shi, Gabriel Sigmund, Thorsten Hüffer, Lin Duan, Yongfeng Wang, Rong Ji, Thilo Hofmann, Wei Chen. Key Physicochemical Properties Dictating Gastrointestinal Bioaccessibility of Microplastics-Associated Organic Xenobiotics: Insights from a Deep Learning Approach. Environmental Science & Technology 2020, 54 (19) , 12051-12062. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.0c02838
- Lehan Yao, Zihao Ou, Binbin Luo, Cong Xu, Qian Chen. Machine Learning to Reveal Nanoparticle Dynamics from Liquid-Phase TEM Videos. ACS Central Science 2020, 6 (8) , 1421-1430. https://doi.org/10.1021/acscentsci.0c00430
- Wen Zhang, Zhiqiang Dong, Ling Zhu, Yuanzhang Hou, Yuping Qiu. Direct Observation of the Release of Nanoplastics from Commercially Recycled Plastics with Correlative Raman Imaging and Scanning Electron Microscopy. ACS Nano 2020, 14 (7) , 7920-7926. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.0c02878
- Mathieu Lapointe, Jeffrey M. Farner, Laura M. Hernandez, Nathalie Tufenkji. Understanding and Improving Microplastic Removal during Water Treatment: Impact of Coagulation and Flocculation. Environmental Science & Technology 2020, 54 (14) , 8719-8727. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.0c00712
- Xiao Wang, Hao Zheng, Jian Zhao, Xianxiang Luo, Zhenyu Wang, Baoshan Xing. Photodegradation Elevated the Toxicity of Polystyrene Microplastics to Grouper (Epinephelus moara) through Disrupting Hepatic Lipid Homeostasis. Environmental Science & Technology 2020, 54 (10) , 6202-6212. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b07016
- Yamin Yang, Yawen Guo, Anna M. O’Brien, Tiago F. Lins, Chelsea M. Rochman, David Sinton. Biological Responses to Climate Change and Nanoplastics Are Altered in Concert: Full-Factor Screening Reveals Effects of Multiple Stressors on Primary Producers. Environmental Science & Technology 2020, 54 (4) , 2401-2410. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b07040
- Wenke Yuan, Yanfei Zhou, Xiaoning Liu, Jun Wang. New Perspective on the Nanoplastics Disrupting the Reproduction of an Endangered Fern in Artificial Freshwater. Environmental Science & Technology 2019, 53 (21) , 12715-12724. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b02882
- Mainak Ganguly, Parisa A. Ariya. Ice Nucleation of Model Nanoplastics and Microplastics: A Novel Synthetic Protocol and the Influence of Particle Capping at Diverse Atmospheric Environments. ACS Earth and Space Chemistry 2019, 3 (9) , 1729-1739. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.9b00132
- Yanghui Xu, Qiang He, Caihong Liu, Xiaoliu Huangfu. Are Micro- or Nanoplastics Leached from Drinking Water Distribution Systems?. Environmental Science & Technology 2019, 53 (16) , 9339-9340. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b03673
- Chan-Wei Yu, Yi-Chun Wu, Vivian Hsiu-Chuan Liao. Early developmental nanoplastics exposure disturbs circadian rhythms associated with stress resistance decline and modulated by DAF-16 and PRDX-2 in C. elegans. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2022, 423 , 127091. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127091
- Zhuoqing Li, Xueqing Chang, Menghong Hu, James Kar-Hei Fang, Inna M. Sokolova, Wei Huang, Elvis Genbo Xu, Youji Wang. Is microplastic an oxidative stressor? Evidence from a meta-analysis on bivalves. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2022, 423 , 127211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127211
- Hong-Tao Wang, Lei Ma, Dong Zhu, Jing Ding, Gang Li, Bing-Jie Jin, Yuan-Hu Shao, Wei-Xin Zhang, Meng-Ya Song, Sheng-Lei Fu. Responses of earthworm Metaphire vulgaris gut microbiota to arsenic and nanoplastics contamination. Science of The Total Environment 2022, 806 , 150279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150279
- Paula Masiá, Juan L. Mateo, Andrés Arias, Marlene Bartolomé, Carmen Blanco, Karim Erzini, François Le Loc'h, Jean Hervé Mve Beh, Deborah Power, Noemi Rodriguez, Gauthier Schaal, Gonzalo Machado-Schiaffino, Eva Garcia-Vazquez. Potential microplastics impacts on African fishing resources. Science of The Total Environment 2022, 806 , 150671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150671
- Hao Feng, Yingjie Liu, Yan Xu, Shixin Li, Xia Liu, Yanhui Dai, Jian Zhao, Tongtao Yue. Benzo[a]pyrene and heavy metal ion adsorption on nanoplastics regulated by humic acid: Cooperation/competition mechanisms revealed by molecular dynamics simulations. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2022, 424 , 127431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127431
- Carmen Fajardo, Carmen Martín, Gonzalo Costa, Sebastián Sánchez-Fortún, Casilda Rodríguez, Jose Julio de Lucas Burneo, Mar Nande, Gerardo Mengs, Margarita Martín. Assessing the role of polyethylene microplastics as a vector for organic pollutants in soil: Ecotoxicological and molecular approaches. Chemosphere 2022, 288 , 132460. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132460
- Yuxuan Liu, Yonghua Wang, Na Li, Shengnan Jiang. Avobenzone and nanoplastics affect the development of zebrafish nervous system and retinal system and inhibit their locomotor behavior. Science of The Total Environment 2022, 806 , 150681. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150681
- Shengcong Shang, Youxing Liu, Minghui Liu, Yichao Bai, Xinyu Wang, Bin Wu, Jianyi Chen, Jichen Dong, Yunqi Liu. Studying the adsorption mechanisms of nanoplastics on covalent organic frameworks via molecular dynamics simulations. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2022, 421 , 126796. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126796
- Qing Ning, Dali Wang, Jiahui An, Qi Ding, Zhiyi Huang, Yue Zou, Fan Wu, Jing You. Combined effects of nanosized polystyrene and erythromycin on bacterial growth and resistance mutations in Escherichia coli. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2022, 422 , 126858. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126858
- Sunanda Mishra, Rojalin Priyadarshini Singh, Prasant Kumar Rout, Alok Prasad Das. Membrane bioreactor (MBR) as an advanced wastewater treatment technology for removal of synthetic microplastics. 2022,,, 45-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-85583-9.00022-3
- Pei-Ling Yen, Ching-Hsuan Hsu, Mei-Lun Huang, Vivian Hsiu-Chuan Liao. Removal of nano-sized polystyrene plastic from aqueous solutions using untreated coffee grounds. Chemosphere 2022, 286 , 131863. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131863
- Sung Ho Park, Kiwoong Kim. Microplastics induced developmental toxicity with microcirculation dysfunction in zebrafish embryos. Chemosphere 2022, 286 , 131868. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131868
- Andrea Valsesia, Monica Quarato, Jessica Ponti, Francesco Fumagalli, Douglas Gilliland, Pascal Colpo. Combining microcavity size selection with Raman microscopy for the characterization of Nanoplastics in complex matrices. Scientific Reports 2021, 11 (1) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-79714-z
- Gomathi Mahadevan, Suresh Valiyaveettil. Understanding the interactions of poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(vinyl chloride) nanoparticles with BHK-21 cell line. Scientific Reports 2021, 11 (1) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-80708-0
- Alonzo Alfaro-Núñez, Diana Astorga, Lenin Cáceres-Farías, Lisandra Bastidas, Cynthia Soto Villegas, Kewrin Macay, Jan H. Christensen. Microplastic pollution in seawater and marine organisms across the Tropical Eastern Pacific and Galápagos. Scientific Reports 2021, 11 (1) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-85939-3
- Andrea Valsesia, Jeremie Parot, Jessica Ponti, Dora Mehn, Rita Marino, Daniela Melillo, Shin Muramoto, Mike Verkouteren, Vincent A. Hackley, Pascal Colpo. Detection, counting and characterization of nanoplastics in marine bioindicators: a proof of principle study. Microplastics and Nanoplastics 2021, 1 (1) https://doi.org/10.1186/s43591-021-00005-z
- S. Selvam, A. Manisha, Priyadarsi D. Roy, S. Venkatramanan, S.Y. Chung, P. Muthukumar, K. Jesuraja, Abdallah M. Elgorban, Bilal Ahmed, Hussam Eldin Elzain. Microplastics and trace metals in fish species of the Gulf of Mannar (Indian Ocean) and evaluation of human health. Environmental Pollution 2021, 291 , 118089. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118089
- Sareh Yaripour, Hannu Huuskonen, Tawfiqur Rahman, Jukka Kekäläinen, Jarkko Akkanen, Martina Magris, Pavel Vladimirovich Kipriianov, Raine Kortet. Pre-fertilization exposure of sperm to nano-sized plastic particles decreases offspring size and swimming performance in the European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus). Environmental Pollution 2021, 291 , 118196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118196
- Nallin Sharma, Chia-Hung Chi, Nandini Swaminathan, Deepak Dabur, Hui-Fen Wu. Introducing Stanene oxyboride nanosheets as white light emitting probe for selectively identifying <5 µm microplastic pollutants. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical 2021, 348 , 130617. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2021.130617
- Silvia Casabianca, Arianna Bellingeri, Samuela Capellacci, Alice Sbrana, Tommaso Russo, Ilaria Corsi, Antonella Penna. Ecological implications beyond the ecotoxicity of plastic debris on marine phytoplankton assemblage structure and functioning. Environmental Pollution 2021, 290 , 118101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118101
- Yunhan Yang, Qiuli Wu, Dayong Wang. Neuronal Gα subunits required for the control of response to polystyrene nanoparticles in the range of μg/L in C. elegans. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2021, 225 , 112732. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112732
- Sheng Yang, Yanping Cheng, Zaozao Chen, Tong Liu, Lihong Yin, Yuepu Pu, Geyu Liang. In vitro evaluation of nanoplastics using human lung epithelial cells, microarray analysis and co-culture model. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2021, 226 , 112837. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112837
- Peichun Lin, Yitao Guo, Lei He, Xiuchun Liao, Xueru Chen, Liuying He, Zifan Lu, Zhong-Ji Qian, Chunxia Zhou, Pengzhi Hong, Shengli Sun, Chengyong Li. Nanoplastics aggravate the toxicity of arsenic to AGS cells by disrupting ABC transporter and cytoskeleton. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2021, 227 , 112885. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112885
- Dušan Materić, Elke Ludewig, Dominik Brunner, Thomas Röckmann, Rupert Holzinger. Nanoplastics transport to the remote, high-altitude Alps. Environmental Pollution 2021, 288 , 117697. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117697
- Mengqi Sun, Ruiyang Ding, Yiming Ma, Qinglin Sun, Xiaoke Ren, Zhiwei Sun, Junchao Duan. Cardiovascular toxicity assessment of polyethylene nanoplastics on developing zebrafish embryos. Chemosphere 2021, 282 , 131124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131124
- Zhuanxi Luo, Xinyi Zhou, Yu Su, Haiming Wang, Ruilian Yu, Shufeng Zhou, Elvis Genbo Xu, Baoshan Xing. Environmental occurrence, fate, impact, and potential solution of tire microplastics: Similarities and differences with tire wear particles. Science of The Total Environment 2021, 795 , 148902. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148902
- Monica Torres-Ruiz, Antonio De la Vieja, Mercedes de Alba Gonzalez, Marta Esteban Lopez, Argelia Castaño Calvo, Ana Isabel Cañas Portilla. Toxicity of nanoplastics for zebrafish embryos, what we know and where to go next. Science of The Total Environment 2021, 797 , 149125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149125
- Amir Roshanzadeh, Nomin-Erdene Oyunbaatar, Sarina Ehteshamzadeh Ganjbakhsh, Sangwoo Park, Dong-Su Kim, Pooja P. Kanade, Seongsoo Lee, Dong-Weon Lee, Eung-Sam Kim. Exposure to nanoplastics impairs collective contractility of neonatal cardiomyocytes under electrical synchronization. Biomaterials 2021, 278 , 121175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121175
- Ning Gao, Zhihui Huang, Jianing Xing, Siyi Zhang, Jing Hou. Impact and Molecular Mechanism of Microplastics on Zebrafish in the Presence and Absence of Copper Nanoparticles. Frontiers in Marine Science 2021, 8 https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.762530
- Kara Lavender Law, Ramani Narayan. Reducing environmental plastic pollution by designing polymer materials for managed end-of-life. Nature Reviews Materials 2021, 3 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41578-021-00382-0
- Arthur J. Ragauskas, George W. Huber, Jia Wang, Adam Guss, Hugh M. O'Neill, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Yanqin Wang, Frederik R. Wurm, Xianzhi Meng. New Technologies are Needed to Improve the Recycling and Upcycling of Waste Plastics. ChemSusChem 2021, 14 (19) , 3982-3984. https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202101872
- Yu Shang, Siyan Wang, Yingying Jin, Wanlei Xue, Yufang Zhong, Hongli Wang, Jing An, Hui Li. Polystyrene nanoparticles induced neurodevelopmental toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans through regulation of dpy-5 and rol-6. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2021, 222 , 112523. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112523
- Masahito Ban, Ryouta Shimoda, Jing Chen. Investigation of nanoplastic cytotoxicity using SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells and polystyrene nanoparticles. Toxicology in Vitro 2021, 76 , 105225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tiv.2021.105225
- Aurang Zeb, Weitao Liu, Lingzuo Meng, Jiapan Lian, Qi Wang, Yuhang Lian, Cuihong Chen, Jiani Wu. Effects of polyester microfibers (PMFs) and cadmium on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and the rhizospheric microbial communities: A study involving physio-biochemical properties and metabolomic profiles. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2021, 744 , 127405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127405
- Bingqing Lu, A. Jan. Hendriks, Tom M. Nolte. A Generic Model Based on the Properties of Nanoparticles and Cells for Predicting Cellular Uptake. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 2021, 20 , 112155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.112155
- Mehnaz Shams, Iftaykhairul Alam, Md Shahriar Mahbub. Plastic pollution during COVID-19: Plastic waste directives and its long-term impact on the environment. Environmental Advances 2021, 5 , 100119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envadv.2021.100119
- Penghui Li, Xiaodan Wang, Min Su, Xiaoyan Zou, Linlin Duan, Hongwu Zhang. Characteristics of Plastic Pollution in the Environment: A Review. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 2021, 107 (4) , 577-584. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-020-02820-1
- P.A. Stapleton. Micro- and nanoplastic transfer, accumulation, and toxicity in humans. Current Opinion in Toxicology 2021, 364 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cotox.2021.10.001
- Veronica Nava, Maria Luce Frezzotti, Barbara Leoni. Raman Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Microplastics in Aquatic Systems. Applied Spectroscopy 2021, 61 , 000370282110431. https://doi.org/10.1177/00037028211043119
- Qingying Shi, Jingchun Tang, Xiaomei Liu, Rutao Liu. Ultraviolet-induced photodegradation elevated the toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics on human lung epithelial A549 cells. Environmental Science: Nano 2021, 8 (9) , 2660-2675. https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN00465D
- Rick Xing Ze Lu, Milica Radisic. Organ-on-a-chip platforms for evaluation of environmental nanoparticle toxicity. Bioactive Materials 2021, 6 (9) , 2801-2819. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.01.021
- Zahid Ahmad Ganie, Nitin Khandelwal, Ekta Tiwari, Nisha Singh, Gopala Krishna Darbha. Biochar-facilitated remediation of nanoplastic contaminated water: Effect of pyrolysis temperature induced surface modifications. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2021, 417 , 126096. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126096
- Sara Matthews, Lei Mai, Chang-Bum Jeong, Jae-Seong Lee, Eddy Y. Zeng, Elvis Genbo Xu. Key mechanisms of micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) toxicity across taxonomic groups. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology & Pharmacology 2021, 247 , 109056. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpc.2021.109056
- Liancheng Li, Jian Zuo, Xiaoguang Duan, Shaobin Wang, Kunsheng Hu, Ruidong Chang. Impacts and mitigation measures of plastic waste: A critical review. Environmental Impact Assessment Review 2021, 90 , 106642. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2021.106642
- Imran Ali, Qianhui Cheng, Tengda Ding, Qian Yiguang, Zhang Yuechao, Huibin Sun, Changsheng Peng, Iffat Naz, Juying Li, Jingfu Liu. Micro- and nanoplastics in the environment: Occurrence, detection, characterization and toxicity – A critical review. Journal of Cleaner Production 2021, 313 , 127863. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127863
- Concetta Pironti, Maria Ricciardi, Oriana Motta, Ylenia Miele, Antonio Proto, Luigi Montano. Microplastics in the Environment: Intake through the Food Web, Human Exposure and Toxicological Effects. Toxics 2021, 9 (9) , 224. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9090224
- Michael F. Hughes, Haley M. Clapper, Robert M. Burgess, Kay T. Ho. Human and ecological health effects of nanoplastics: may not be a tiny problem. Current Opinion in Toxicology 2021, 235 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cotox.2021.09.004
- Di Feng, Hang Yuan, Jie Tang, Xiaofang Cai, Biao Yang. Preliminary investigation of microplastics in the production process of sea salt sourced from the Bohai Sea, China, using an optimised and consistent approach. Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A 2021, , 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/19440049.2021.1956691
- Anita Jemec Kokalj, Nanna B. Hartmann, Damjana Drobne, Annegret Potthoff, Dana Kühnel. Quality of nanoplastics and microplastics ecotoxicity studies: Refining quality criteria for nanomaterial studies. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2021, 415 , 125751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125751
- Nisha Singh, Nitin Khandelwal, Zahid Ahmad Ganie, Ekta Tiwari, Gopala Krishna Darbha. Eco-friendly magnetic biochar: An effective trap for nanoplastics of varying surface functionality and size in the aqueous environment. Chemical Engineering Journal 2021, 418 , 129405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2021.129405
- Bhavya Shri Subramaniam Ramasamy, Shanmugam Palanisamy. A review on occurrence, characteristics, toxicology and treatment of nanoplastic waste in the environment. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2021, 28 (32) , 43258-43273. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-14883-6
- Emily Cowan, Andy M. Booth, Andreas Misund, Katja Klun, Ana Rotter, Rachel Tiller. Single-Use Plastic Bans: Exploring Stakeholder Perspectives on Best Practices for Reducing Plastic Pollution. Environments 2021, 8 (8) , 81. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8080081
- , Simon More, Vasileios Bampidis, Diane Benford, Claude Bragard, Thorhallur Halldorsson, Antonio Hernández‐Jerez, Susanne Hougaard Bennekou, Kostas Koutsoumanis, Claude Lambré, Kyriaki Machera, Hanspeter Naegeli, Søren Nielsen, Josef Schlatter, Dieter Schrenk, Vittorio Silano (deceased), Dominique Turck, Maged Younes, Jacqueline Castenmiller, Qasim Chaudhry, Francesco Cubadda, Roland Franz, David Gott, Jan Mast, Alicja Mortensen, Agnes G. Oomen, Stefan Weigel, Eric Barthelemy, Ana Rincon, José Tarazona, Reinhilde Schoonjans. Guidance on risk assessment of nanomaterials to be applied in the food and feed chain: human and animal health. EFSA Journal 2021, 19 (8) https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6768
- Su-juan Yu, Qing-cun Li, Wan-yu Shan, Zhi-neng Hao, Peng Li, Jing-fu Liu. Heteroaggregation of different surface-modified polystyrene nanoparticles with model natural colloids. Science of The Total Environment 2021, 784 , 147190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147190
- Qingying Shi, Jingchun Tang, Rutao Liu, Lan Wang. Toxicity in vitro reveals potential impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics on human health: A review. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology 2021, 216 , 1-33. https://doi.org/10.1080/10643389.2021.1951528
- Adedeji A. Adelodun. Plastic Recovery and Utilization: From Ocean Pollution to Green Economy. Frontiers in Environmental Science 2021, 9 https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2021.683403
- Qiuxiang Xu, Qi-Su Huang, Tian-Yi Luo, Ruo-Lan Wu, Wei Wei, Bing-Jie Ni. Coagulation removal and photocatalytic degradation of microplastics in urban waters. Chemical Engineering Journal 2021, 416 , 129123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2021.129123
- Shuting Wang, Huanliang Liu, Man Qu, Dayong Wang. Response of tyramine and glutamate related signals to nanoplastic exposure in Caenorhabditis elegans. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2021, 217 , 112239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112239
- Jiapan Lian, Weitao Liu, Lingzuo Meng, Jiani Wu, Lei Chao, Aurang Zeb, Yuebing Sun. Foliar-applied polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) reduce the growth and nutritional quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Environmental Pollution 2021, 280 , 116978. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116978
- Yunfei Ding, Ruiqing Zhang, Boqing Li, Yunqiu Du, Jing Li, Xiaohan Tong, Yulong Wu, Xiaofei Ji, Ying Zhang. Tissue distribution of polystyrene nanoplastics in mice and their entry, transport, and cytotoxicity to GES-1 cells. Environmental Pollution 2021, 280 , 116974. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116974
- Qiang Chu, Shuang Zhang, Xin Yu, Yaxuan Wang, Mingkui Zhang, Xiaodong Zheng. Fecal microbiota transplantation attenuates nano-plastics induced toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Science of The Total Environment 2021, 779 , 146454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146454
- I. Brandts, J.C. Balasch, A.P. Gonçalves, M.A. Martins, M.L. Pereira, A. Tvarijonaviciute, M. Teles, M. Oliveira. Immuno-modulatory effects of nanoplastics and humic acids in the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Journal of Hazardous Materials 2021, 414 , 125562. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125562
- Kirsty Blackburn, Dannielle Green. The potential effects of microplastics on human health: What is known and what is unknown. Ambio 2021, 35 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-021-01589-9
- P. E. Redondo-Hasselerharm, G. Vink, D. M. Mitrano, A. A. Koelmans. Metal-doping of nanoplastics enables accurate assessment of uptake and effects on Gammarus pulex. Environmental Science: Nano 2021, 8 (6) , 1761-1770. https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN00068C
- Zenglin Ouyang, Yang Yang, Chen Zhang, Shumin Zhu, Lei Qin, Wenjun Wang, Donghui He, Yin Zhou, Hanzhuo Luo, Fanzhi Qin. Recent advances in photocatalytic degradation of plastics and plastic-derived chemicals. Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2021, 9 (23) , 13402-13441. https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA12465F
- Jia-hui Nie, Yao Shen, Mohamed Roshdy, Xin Cheng, Guang Wang, Xuesong Yang. Polystyrene nanoplastics exposure caused defective neural tube morphogenesis through caveolae-mediated endocytosis and faulty apoptosis. Nanotoxicology 2021, 7 , 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1080/17435390.2021.1930228
- Kailun Sun, Yan Song, Falin He, Mingyang Jing, Jingchun Tang, Rutao Liu. A review of human and animals exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Health risk and adverse effects, photo-induced toxicity and regulating effect of microplastics. Science of The Total Environment 2021, 773 , 145403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145403
- Kristina Vogel, Ren Wei, Lara Pfaff, Daniel Breite, Hassan Al-Fathi, Christian Ortmann, Irina Estrela-Lopis, Tom Venus, Agnes Schulze, Hauke Harms, Uwe T. Bornscheuer, Thomas Maskow. Enzymatic degradation of polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics analyzed in real time by isothermal titration calorimetry. Science of The Total Environment 2021, 773 , 145111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145111
- Claudia B. Pratesi, Maria Aparecida A. L. Santos Almeida, Geysa S. Cutrim Paz, Marcelo H. Ramos Teotonio, Lenora Gandolfi, Riccardo Pratesi, Mariana Hecht, Renata Puppin Zandonadi. Presence and Quantification of Microplastic in Urban Tap Water: A Pre-Screening in Brasilia, Brazil. Sustainability 2021, 13 (11) , 6404. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116404
- Elena Hengstmann, Esther Weil, Paul Christian Wallbott, Matthias Tamminga, Elke Kerstin Fischer. Microplastics in lakeshore and lakebed sediments – External influences and temporal and spatial variabilities of concentrations. Environmental Research 2021, 197 , 111141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2021.111141
- Van Ryan Kristopher R. Galarpe, Caroline Marie B. Jaraula, Maria Kristina O. Paler. The nexus of macroplastic and microplastic research and plastic regulation policies in the Philippines marine coastal environments. Marine Pollution Bulletin 2021, 167 , 112343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112343
- Emma C. Nichols, Jennifer L. Lavers, Simeon Archer-Rand, Alexander L. Bond. Assessing plastic size distribution and quantity on a remote island in the South Pacific. Marine Pollution Bulletin 2021, 167 , 112366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112366
- O. Rius-Ayra, A. Biserova-Tahchieva, N. LLorca-Isern. Surface-functionalised materials for microplastic removal. Marine Pollution Bulletin 2021, 167 , 112335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112335
- Hengjie Yu, Dan Luo, Limin Dai, Fang Cheng. In silico nanosafety assessment tools and their ecosystem-level integration prospect. Nanoscale 2021, 13 (19) , 8722-8739. https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR00115A
- Sun Jo Kim, Nguyen Phuoc Long, Cheol Woon Jung, Nguyen Hoang Anh, Jung Eun Min, Hyung Min Kim, Sung Won Kwon. Exposure to nano-polystyrene induces metabolic alteration in lipid homeostasis in Caco-2. Environmental Science: Nano 2021, 8 (5) , 1408-1424. https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN00145K
- Manish Kumar, Hongyu Chen, Surendra Sarsaiya, Shiyi Qin, Huimin Liu, Mukesh Kumar Awasthi, Sunil Kumar, Lal Singh, Zengqiang Zhang, Nanthi S. Bolan, Ashok Pandey, Sunita Varjani, Mohammad J. Taherzadeh. Current research trends on micro- and nano-plastics as an emerging threat to global environment: A review. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2021, 409 , 124967. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124967
- Xuan Liu, Kiran Raj G. Burra, Zhiwei Wang, Jinhu Li, Defu Che, Ashwani K. Gupta. Syngas Characteristics From Catalytic Gasification of Polystyrene and Pinewood in CO2 Atmosphere. Journal of Energy Resources Technology 2021, 143 (5) https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4049587
- Chuanxi Li, Yingying Ma, Xiao Liu, Renliang Huang, Rongxin Su, Wei Qi, Jinjing Che, Zhimin He. Synergistic effect of polystyrene nanoplastics and contaminants on the promotion of insulin fibrillation. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2021, 214 , 112115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112115
- Charlotte Schampera, Justyna Wolinska, Julien B. Bachelier, Anderson Abel de Souza Machado, Roberto Rosal, Miguel González-Pleiter, Ramsy Agha. Exposure to nanoplastics affects the outcome of infectious disease in phytoplankton. Environmental Pollution 2021, 277 , 116781. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116781
- Liyan Wang, Liang Lei, Kang Wan, Yuan Fu, Hewen Hu. Physicochemical Properties and Biological Activity of Active Films Based on Corn Peptide Incorporated Carboxymethyl Chitosan. Coatings 2021, 11 (5) , 604. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings11050604
- Denise M. Mitrano, Peter Wick, Bernd Nowack. Placing nanoplastics in the context of global plastic pollution. Nature Nanotechnology 2021, 16 (5) , 491-500. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41565-021-00888-2
- Emily A. Shore, James A. deMayo, Melissa H. Pespeni. Microplastics Reduce Net Population Growth and Fecal Pellet Sinking Rates for the Marine Copepod Acartia tonsa. Environmental Pollution 2021, 62 , 117379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117379




