Atmospheric microplastics: A review on current status and perspectives

Microplastics are emerging persistent contaminants of increasing concern. Although microplastics have been extensively detected in aquatic environments, their occurrence in soil ecosystems remains largely unexplored. This review focused on recent progress in analytical methods, pollution characteristics and ecological effects of microplastics in soils. In spite of the presence of microplastics in soils, no standardized methods are available for the quantification. Uniform protocols including microplastic extraction and identification are urgently needed to develop. In soil environments, main sources of microplastics include mulching film, sludge, wastewater irrigation and atmospheric deposition. The fate of microplastics is closely related to soil physio-chemistry and biota. Existing evidence shows that microplastics can influence soil biota at different trophic levels, and even threaten human health through food chains. Therefore, further research is needed to fully reveal the fate and ecological risks of microplastics in soils; and necessary action is required to control microplastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems.

Microplastics in soils: Analytical methods, pollution characteristics and ecological risks

Source, migration and toxicology of microplastics in soil.

Impacts of polystyrene microplastic on the gut barrier, microbiota and metabolism of mice

The ubiquity of microplastics in aquatic and terrestrial environments and related ecological impacts have gained global attention. Microplastics have been detected in table salt, drinking water, and air, posing inevitable human exposure risk. However, rigorous analytical methods for detection and characterization of microplastics remain scarce. Knowledge about the potential adverse effects on human health via dietary and respiratory exposures is also limited. To address these issues, we reviewed 46 publications concerning abundances, potential sources, and analytical methods of microplastics in table salt, drinking water, and air. We also summarized probable translocation and accumulation pathways of microplastics within human body. Human body burdens of microplastics through table salt, drinking water, and inhalation were estimated to be (0-7.3)×104, (0-4.7)×103, and (0-3.0)×107 items per person per year, respectively. The intake of microplastics via inhalation, especially via indoor air, was much higher than those via other exposure routes. Moreover, microplastics in the air impose threats to both respiratory and digestive systems through breathing and ingestion. Given the lifetime inevitable exposure to microplastics, we urgently call for a better understanding of the potential hazards of microplastics to human health.

https://findresearcher.sdu.dk:8443/ws/files/168676998/A_Review_of_Microplastics_in_Table_salt_Drinking_Water_and_Air.pdf

Pei Xu

Papers

Source and potential risk assessment of suspended atmospheric microplastics in Shanghai

Microplastics in freshwater river sediments in Shanghai, China: A case study of risk assessment in mega-cities.

Microplastic risk assessment in surface waters: A case study in the Changjiang Estuary, China.

Analysis of suspended microplastics in the Changjiang Estuary: Implications for riverine plastic load to the ocean.

Food-web transfer of microplastics between wild caught fish and crustaceans in East China Sea.