Chapter 3 - Environmental effects of microplastics and nanoplastics exposure

Abstract

Despite the recent advances, the impact of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment is poorly understood. In addition to the negative effects of these plastics alone, MPs and NPs have ecotoxicological impacts as vectors because of the adsorption of existing co-contaminants. Weathering of plastics can result in the release of plastic additives and monomers that can have additional adverse effects on environment and biota. Moreover, these minute plastic particles in environment can behave as vectors for the transfer of pathogenic microbial communities. In this chapter, we critically discuss the fate and toxicity of the chemicals adsorbed and released by the MPs and NPs in aquatic environment. Then, their ecotoxicological effects on aquatic biota and human health are considered, including their routes of exposure and cellular responses against them. Later, the transfer of microbial communities with MPs and NPs is focussed along with the challenges and future perspectives.