Invisible Pollutants: A Study of Microplastic Contamination

The presence, persistence and potential toxicological effects of microplastics have made them a significant global environmental and public health issue. Microplastics are found in marine, freshwater, terrestrial and air systems and are now found in smaller plastic pieces that either have broken apart from larger plastic materials or have been directly produced by industry. They are transported in rivers, ocean currents, via soil movement, via atmospheric deposition, and via wastewater discharge, and end up contaminating ecosystems throughout the world. Microplastics are not only found in marine organisms, freshwater species, soil biota and crops, but also are reaching the human body more and more through their food chains. Human exposure is primarily by ingestion of contaminated foods and water, inhalation of airborne particles, and occupational exposure. Microplastics have been found in human blood, placenta, stool and lung tissue in recent studies, and are suspected to cause inflammation, oxidative stress, disruption of the endocrine system and other adverse health effects.