Microplastics in environment: a comprehension on sources, analytical detection, health concerns, and remediation

Contamination of ecosystems by microplastics (MPs) has been reported intensively worldwide in the recent decade. A trend of reports indicated their presence in the atmosphere; food items and soil ecosystems are rising continuously. Literature evidenced that MPs are abundant in seawater, beach sand, drinking water, agricultural soils, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent, and the atmosphere. The greater abundance of MPs in the environment has led to their invasion of seafood, human-consumed food items such as table salts, beverages, takeout food containers, and disposable cups, marine biological lives, and creating serious health hazards in humans. Moreover, the absence of guidelines and specifications for controlling MPs in the environment makes the situation alarming, and the human toxicity data of MPs is scarce. Thereby, the toxicity assessment of MPs in humans is of greater concern. This review compiles the updated information on the potential sources of MPs in different components of the environment (viz. soil, water, and air), their analysis methods, effects on human health, and remediation methods.

Automated summary

The contamination of ecosystems by microplastics has become a global concern, as their presence has been found in the atmosphere, food items, and soil ecosystems. They are abundant in various environments, including seawater, beach sand, drinking water, agricultural soils, wastewater treatment plant effluent, and the atmosphere. This review highlights the potential sources of microplastics, their effects on human health, and the need for guidelines and specifications for controlling their presence in the environment.