Environmental exposure to microplastics: An overview on possible human health effects

The qualitative and quantitative composition of biofilms on microplastic surfaces is widely unknown. A previous study (Zettler et al., 2013; EST) reports the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria (Vibrio spp.) on floating microplastic particles. Hence microplastics could function as vectors for the dispersal of microorganisms to new habitats. Several Vibrio species are serious human pathogens. Contact with contaminated water and consumption of raw seafood are the main infection factors for Vibrio associated diseases. On research cruises to the North- and Baltic Sea, microplastic particles were collected and subjected to APW (alkaline peptone water) enrichment. Growth on selective CHROMagar™ Vibrio and further identification of isolates by MALDI-TOF (matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight) clearly indicate the presence of potentially pathogenic Vibrio spp. on microplastics. Our results highlight the urgent need for detailed microbiological analyses of floating microplastic particles in the future.

Dangerous hitchhikers? evidence for potentially pathogenic vibrio spp. on microplastic particles

https://scholarlypublications.universiteitleiden.nl/access/item%3A2908824/view

Microplastics accumulate on pores in seed capsule and delay germination and root growth of the terrestrial vascular plant Lepidium sativum.

Microplastics and human health

Bioplastics - typically plastics manufactured from bio-based polymers - stand to contribute to more sustainable commercial plastic life cycles as part of a circular economy, in which virgin polymers are made from renewable or recycled raw materials. Carbon-neutral energy is used for production and products are reused or recycled at their end of life (EOL). In this Review, we assess the advantages and challenges of bioplastics in transitioning towards a circular economy. Compared with fossil-based plastics, bio-based plastics can have a lower carbon footprint and exhibit advantageous materials properties; moreover, they can be compatible with existing recycling streams and some offer biodegradation as an EOL scenario if performed in controlled or predictable environments. However, these benefits can have trade-offs, including negative agricultural impacts, competition with food production, unclear EOL management and higher costs. Emerging chemical and biological methods can enable the 'upcycling' of increasing volumes of heterogeneous plastic and bioplastic waste into higher-quality materials. To guide converters and consumers in their purchasing choices, existing (bio)plastic identification standards and life cycle assessment guidelines need revision and homogenization. Furthermore, clear regulation and financial incentives remain essential to scale from niche polymers to large-scale bioplastic market applications with truly sustainable impact. 

/pdf/bioplastics-for-a-circular-economy-1nile511.pdf

Bioplastics for a circular economy

The best available evidence suggests that microplastics and nanoplastics do not pose a widespread risk to humans or the environment, except in small pockets. But that evidence is limited, and the situation could change if pollution continues at the current rate.

A Scientific Perspective on Microplastics in Nature and Society

Abstract The intensive global plastic production, use and associated plastic pollution have caused concern for the potential risks to human health and the environment. This has led to the adoption of numerous regulatory initiatives aiming to combat plastic pollution. Despite the considerable regulatory activity in the field of plastic, it appears that there is still debate about the actual risks of plastic to humans and the environment. This raises the question of to what extent the current plastic regulation is evidence-based, a declared ambition in the European Union. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate to what extent key policy initiatives targeting plastic pollution are based on scientific evidence. Selection of initiatives was based on expert elicitation accounting for the opinions of persons involved in the development of the policy initiatives, and a thorough assessment of the historical development of plastic pollution regulation, with focus on their importance both with respect to regulation of plastics as well as their historical importance as drivers for societal actions on plastic pollution. We find that scientific evidence appears to be generally present in the scientific foundation for the policy initiatives analysed in this study. All the initiatives are supported by scientific articles and reports about among others plastic sources, ecological impacts of plastic production and consumption patterns. Marine litter monitoring data was found to contribute to the evidence base for 4 out of the 6 policy initiatives and thereby appears to be one of the central scientific drivers behind the societal actions on plastic pollution. Other scientific tools applied when shaping the policy initiatives include risk assessment, impact assessment and life cycle assessment. Despite the prevalent consideration and application of scientific evidence, there seems to be a broad recognition in the preparatory work of the initiatives that there is still a lot of uncertainty related to determining the harm of plastic pollution. In these cases, taking precautionary actions seems however to be justified, recalling not least the precautionary principle. As the issue of plastic pollution is complex and still subject to uncertainty, it seems important both that policy initiatives allow for flexibility and continuing adjustment to the on-going knowledge generation and that the scientific community provides the needed research to continue the science-informed policy development. 

/pdf/unfolding-the-science-behind-policy-initiatives-targeting-8v444u8x.pdf

R. Cronin

Papers

A Scientific Perspective on Microplastics in Nature and Society

Unfolding the science behind policy initiatives targeting plastic pollution