Toxicological effects of Microplastics

What is it about?

Microplastics (MPs), often termed “silent invaders,” have become ubiquitous pollutants across both terrestrial and aquatic environments, raising significant concerns in respect of their toxicological and ecological consequences. This review provides an in-depth multiscale evaluation of the toxic effects of microplastics, from molecular disruptions to ecosystem-level disturbances. Special priority is placed on the capacity of microplastics to act as vectors for a range of environmental contaminants, including heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and pharmaceuticals, thereby amplifying their toxic potential. This review also examines how microplastics interact with biological systems, triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, genotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and behavioural changes in organisms across various trophic levels. Comparative insights between terrestrial and aquatic systems divulge distinct exposure pathways and species-specific vulnerabilities, with remarkable research gaps persisting in soil ecosystems. Moreover, the review discusses current advances and limitations in detection methods and toxicological assays, while highlighting censorious needs for standardized protocols and long-term ecological studies. Ultimately, this synthesis underscores the urgent necessity for transdisciplinary research and regulatory frameworks to address the escalating risks posed by microplastics and their associated contaminants in global ecosystems.

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Photo by Marc Newberry on Unsplash

Photo by Marc Newberry on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This paper contributes to the literature by offering a comprehensive multiscale analysis of the toxicological effects of microplastics (MPs), spanning from molecular-level disruptions to broader ecosystem impacts. It emphasizes the role of MPs as vectors for hazardous contaminants such as heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and pharmaceuticals, which significantly heighten their toxic potential. The review further explores how MPs interact with biological systems, inducing oxidative stress, inflammation, genotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and behavioral alterations across diverse trophic levels. Additionally, the paper presents comparative insights into microplastic exposure and vulnerability across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, identifying critical knowledge gaps, particularly within soil environments. It evaluates current detection methods and toxicological assays, noting their limitations and stressing the urgent need for standardized testing protocols and long-term ecological studies. Ultimately, the review calls for integrated, transdisciplinary research and the development of robust regulatory frameworks to effectively mitigate the escalating risks of microplastic pollution in global ecosystems.

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