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Microplastics: a review of their impacts on different life forms and their removal methods

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Abstract

The pollution of microplastics (MPs) is a worldwide major concern, as they have become a major part of our food chain. MPs enter our ecosystem via different pathways, including anthropogenic activities and improper disposal of plastics. The aim of this article is to review the current scientific literature related to MPs and how they affect different life forms on earth. Briefly, MPs induced negative effects on humans are primarily linked with the oxidative stress and disruption in immunity. MPs not only affect the soil chemical and physical properties such as reduction in soil health and productivity but also impose harmful effects on soil microorganisms. Moreover, MP-induced plant growth reduction results from three complementary mechanisms: (i) reduction in root and shoot growth, (ii) reduction in photosynthesis accompanied by higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and (iii) reduction in nutrient uptake via altered root growth. Given the negative effects of MPs on different life forms, it is important to remove or remediate them. We have discussed different MP removal methods including coagulation, membrane filtration technology, biochar, and biological degradation of MPs in soil and wastewater effluents. The use of ozone as ultrafiltration technique has also been shown as the most promising technique for MP removal. Finally, some future research recommendations are also put forward at the end to further enhance our understanding of the MPs induced negative effects on different life forms.

Graphical abstract

The flowchart shows the interaction of MPs from water contaminated with MPs with different parts of the ecosystem and final interaction with human health

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Data availability

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Abbreviations

MPs:

Microplastics

PE:

Polyethylene

PVC:

Polyvinyl chloride

PP:

Polypropylene

PET:

Polyethylene terephthalate

PS:

Polystyrene

FDAse:

Fluorescein diacetate hydrolase

PES:

Poly-esters

OTC:

Oxytetracycline

LDPE:

Low-density polyethylene

HDPE:

High-density polyethylene

PO:

Phenol oxidase

PAN:

Polyacrylonitrile

PAEs:

Polyarylether

DEHP:

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

BBP:

Butyl benzyl phthalate

PLA:

Polylactic acid

MDA:

Malonaldehyde contents

ROS:

Reactive oxygen species

CAT:

Catalase

MBR:

Membrane bioreactor

DM:

Dynamic membrane

RO:

Reverse osmosis

UF-RO:

Ultrafiltration-reverse osmosis

STPs:

Sewage treatment plants

PAM:

Polyacrylamide

PES:

Polyester

MFs:

Microfibers

PU:

Polyurethane

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Acknowledgements

Authors acknowledge the Punjab Agricultural Research Board funded project # 894 whom provided the opportunity to work on the theme of this review paper.

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W.-u.-D. Khan and M. Tanveer conceived the idea of this review paper. F. Pir Dad, W.- u.-D. Khan, and M. Tanveer designed the contents of the review paper. F. Pir Dad wrote this review article with the help of W.-u.-D. Khan, M. Tanveer, M.B. Kirkham, and N. Bolan. W.-u.-D. Khan, M. Tanveer, M.B. Kirkham, and N. Bolan revised and critically reviewed the manuscript. All authors contributed to the subsequent development and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Mohsin Tanveer.

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Dad, F.P., Khan, WuD., Kirkham, M.B. et al. Microplastics: a review of their impacts on different life forms and their removal methods. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 86632–86655 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-28513-w

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