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MICRO & NANOPLASTICS

WHAT ARE NANOPLASTICS?  

Nanoplastics are small plastic particles with sizes ranging from 1 to 1000 nanometers. Those particles are unintentionally produced during the manufacturing and degradation of plastic objects. Due to their minuscule size, these residues can travel thousands of kilometers driven by winds or marine currents, making them present all over the planet and a part of everyday human activities.​



EFFECTS ON MARINE LIFE​



Micro and nanoplastics found in the sea can harm the physiology of organisms, affecting their growth and development. They represent a significant threat to marine life, causing negative impacts at various levels of aquatic ecosystems. Micro and nanoplastics are very small fragments of plastic, usually resulting from the degradation of larger plastic or smaller-sized manufactured products. Once at sea, these fragments have several impacts on marine life, such as:

Ingestion: Marine organisms, from small zooplankton to large cetaceans, can ingest micro and nanoplastics. This might happen because these particles can resemble natural prey, such as plankton, or become trapped in food particles. Ingestion can lead to health problems, digestive obstruction, reduced appetite, and can eventually affect the entire food chain.

Chemical contamination: Plastic can contain chemical additives that are toxic. When micro and nanoplastics are ingested, these chemicals can be released into the bodies of marine organisms, causing toxic effects and bioaccumulation throughout the food chain.

Dispersal of pathogens: Micro and nanoplastics can act as vectors for the dispersal of marine pathogens. The surface of these particles can provide a suitable substrate for the adhesion and transport of pathogenic microorganisms, increasing the risk of disease in marine organisms.

Behavioral changes: The presence of micro and nanoplastics can also lead to behavioral changes in marine organisms because the smell of plastics can attract or repel certain species, affecting their movement and migration patterns.

Impact on habitat: The accumulation of micro and nanoplastics in marine sediments can alter the physical and chemical properties of the habitat. This can have negative consequences for organisms living on the ocean floor, such as benthic invertebrates, affecting ecosystem structure and function.

Effects on plankton: Plankton is a crucial part of the marine food chain. The presence of micro and nanoplastics can affect the survival, growth and reproduction of plankton, with cascading effects on the food chain. 

It is important to highlight that the impact of micro and nanoplastics on marine life are still being studied, and research in this field continues to expand our understanding of the effects of these pollutants on aquatic ecosystems. Mitigating these impacts requires coordinated efforts to reduce the entry of plastics into the oceans and develop methods for the sustainable removal and management of plastic waste

IMPLICATIONS ON ​​HUMAN HEALTH

The increased presence of micro and nanoplastics has raised significant concerns about their effects. Although the effects of exposure to micro and nanoplastics in marine animals and humans have been documented, their impact on human health is still not well understood.​ Due to their small size, it is challenging to identify the primary exposure pathways in humans. The absorption of nano plastic and micro plastic is influenced by their chemical composition and size, varying based on shape, size, and density. Additionally, micro and nanoplastics may contain two types of harmful chemical co-contaminants, often with endocrine-disrupting effects. ​

In light of this, evidence of the adverse consequences of micro and nanoplastics has been increasing, including the potential for gastrointestinal, hepatic, reproductive, and neurotoxicity.​ The mechanisms of toxicity can be diverse, involving effects on immune, metabolic, and oxidative stress, as well as alterations in the microbiota and dysfunction of the intestinal barrier, mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA mutation.

SOME SOLUTIONS TO MITIGATE THE AMOUNT OF MICRO AND NANOPLASTICS IN ECOSYSTEMS



In today's world, it is proven that micro and nanoplastics pose a threat to marine life and human health. Fortunately, there are some solutions to mitigate the amount of micro and nanoplastics in ecosystems.​

Firstly, we must reduce the use of plastics, engage in recycling, reuse and repurpose plastic items, dispose of waste properly, and avoid unnecessary plastic usage. On the other hand, we can minimize nanoparticle plastics on our planet by avoiding purchasing products stored in plastic containers and opting for items stored in glass and paper packaging. Additionally, we should cease acquiring disposable plastic items such as straws, disposable cups, bags, and glitter, replacing them with biodegradable products that decompose more rapidly than plastics. Furthermore, we should substitute synthetic fiber fabrics with organic cotton.​Next, we should take actions such as replacing plastic toothbrushes with bamboo toothbrushes or opting for cloth menstrual pads instead of plastic ones. Moreover, we should discontinue the use of cosmetics containing synthetic defoliants, replacing them with natural alternatives.​

Finally, to decrease the number of micro and nanoplastics in the environment, we should support initiatives that remove fishing nets and other plastics from the sea and advocate for companies and governments to reduce plastic usage, adopt reusable and less harmful packaging for the Earth.​

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the increasing presence of micro and nanoplastics in the oceans poses a substantial threat to marine life and potentially human health. Evidence points to several impacts; to mitigate this environmental crisis, it is necessary to reduce the use of plastic, promote recycling, reuse and proper disposal. The transition to biodegradable and sustainable alternatives, as well as supporting ocean cleaning initiatives, are crucial steps to protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring a healthier future for everyone.


Work done by Cristiano Meira, Diogo Carixas, Gonçalo Lopes, Joana Morais, Maria Leonor Martins and Rita Orelhas


 Image sources: 

https://sigmaearth.com/pt/micropl%C3%A1sticos-encontrados-no-sangue-humano-pela-primeira-vez/

https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/new-research-on-the-possible-effects-of-micro-and-nano-plastics-on-marine-animals

https://www.connect-science.net/pt-pt/micro/


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