Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have attracted global interest because they have been recognized as emerging pollutants that require urgent attention. MPs are plastic particles with a size between 1 micron and 5 mm (1 µm-5mm); those measuring less than 1 µm are known as nanoplastics (NPs). MP is distributed in the environment in various physical forms that depend on the degradation process, the erosion factors to which it was subjected, or the original form in which it was intentionally manufactured. Humans may be exposed to these pollutants mainly by ingestion or inhalation, which could adversely affect human health with effects that are still unknown due to limitations that are often dependent on their analytical determination and lack of studies over time, as it is a relatively new topic. Therefore, this review focuses on the challenges currently faced by laboratories for determining MPs in different matrices. We highlight the application of methods and techniques to assess the precise levels of exposure to MPs in biological samples. In addition, exposure pathways, sources, and evidence of adverse effects reported in vitro and in vivo studies are described to generate knowledge about their potential threat to human health.
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This work was supported by the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología FOSEC (grant number SS/IMSS/ISSSTE A3-S-43430).
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Karen Beatriz Méndez Rodríguez drafted the “Introduction” and “Evaluation of exposure to microplastics in humans” sections. Jorge Armando Jiménez Avalos drafted the “In vivo effects of microplastics particles” section. Juan Carlos Fernández Macias drafted the “Determination of microplastics in biological samples (commonly used techniques)” section. Ana Karen González Palomo drafted the “Evaluation of MPs performed in vitro systems” section, provided conceptualization review and editing. All authors have commented on previous versions, read, and approved the final manuscript.
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Méndez Rodríguez, K.B., Jiménez Avalos, J.A., Fernández Macias, J.C. et al. Microplastics: challenges of assessment in biological samples and their implication for in vitro and in vivo effects. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 119733–119749 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-30853-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-30853-6