Interaction of Secondary Micro(nano)plastics with Emerging Pollutants

Le résumé fourni par la source

Considering the potential effects on the environment and public health, the interaction between secondary micro(nano)plastics and emerging contaminants has attracted more and more attention in recent years. The deterioration and fragmentation of more oversized plastic objects produce secondary micro(nano)plastics, which have drawn much attention as the carriers and vectors of emerging contaminants in different ecosystems. The surface area, hydrophobicity, and electrostatic charge of secondary micro(nano)plastics, among other physicochemical characteristics, are critical in mediating the sorption, desorption, and transport of emerging contaminants. On the plastic surface, functional groups and sorption sites further increase the surface’s attraction to contaminants. Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, insecticides, and industrial chemicals are a few sources of emerging contaminants with detrimental qualities frequently found in aquatic habitats. Secondary micro(nano)plastics can act as sorbents and transporters when these contaminants come into contact with them, enhancing their movement and possible bioaccumulation in various environmental compartments. Complex fate and transport mechanisms may result from interacting secondary micro(nano)plastics with emerging contaminants in various environmental matrices, including water, soil, sediments, and biota. These interactions could cause pollutants to be concentrated and adsorb to the plastic surface, potentially altering their bioavailability and toxicity. In addition, the aggregation and agglomeration of secondary micro(nano)plastics with adsorbed contaminants can promote their transit and deposition in different environmental compartments. Impacts on the environment and public health are also a result of the interplay between secondary micro(nano)plastics and emerging contaminants. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of plastic-associated contaminants by creatures at various trophic levels have the potential to have negative effects on ecosystem dynamics. Additionally, ingesting plastic particles by organisms can cause physical harm, expose them to toxins inside, and cause pollutants to move up the food chain, endangering human health. Analytical methods, modeling, and risk assessment methodologies must address the complicated interactions between secondary micro(nano)plastics and emerging contaminants. Efforts should be made to reduce the sources of developing pollutants and the exposure of micro(nano)plastics to the environment. To solve this intricate environmental problem, proactive strategies are required, such as better waste management procedures and the development of eco-friendly substitutes.

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