IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v15y2023i14p10821-d1190840.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Microplastics as an Emerging Threat to the Global Environment and Human Health

Author

Listed:
  • Shampa Ghosh

    (GloNeuro Academy, Sector 107, Vishwakarma Road, Noida 201301, India
    ICMR—National Institute of Nutrition, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, India
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Jitendra Kumar Sinha

    (GloNeuro Academy, Sector 107, Vishwakarma Road, Noida 201301, India
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Soumya Ghosh

    (GloNeuro Academy, Sector 107, Vishwakarma Road, Noida 201301, India)

  • Kshitij Vashisth

    (GloNeuro Academy, Sector 107, Vishwakarma Road, Noida 201301, India)

  • Sungsoo Han

    (School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea)

  • Rakesh Bhaskar

    (School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

In recent years, there has been mounting concern about the bearing of microplastics on human health and the comprehensive natural environment. These particles come from a variety of sources, such as soaps, personal care products, and the rundown of bigger plastic items. The impacts of microplastics on marine life and other ecosystems are substantial, including ingestion by marine animals, interference with their reproductive systems, and even death. The economic implications of microplastics are also significant, with industries, such as fishing and tourism being affected by the presence of microplastics in the environment. Exposure to microplastics can also pose potential health risks to humans, including respiratory and digestive problems, as well as disrupt sleep, contribute to obesity, and increase the risk of diabetes. To address this issue, policies and initiatives have been put in place to reduce microplastic pollution, but there are challenges that need to be overcome, such as lack of awareness, limited resources, and ineffective regulations. Further research is also needed to fully understand the impacts of microplastics on our health and to develop effective strategies to mitigate the problem. In this article, we have discussed the requirement of a multifaceted approach including reducing plastic use, promoting proper disposal and recycling of plastic waste, developing innovative technologies for capturing and removing microplastics from the environment, raising public awareness, and implementing effective regulations and policies. It is only through concerted efforts and collaboration between individuals, industries, and governments that the threat of microplastics can be tackled.

Suggested Citation

  • Shampa Ghosh & Jitendra Kumar Sinha & Soumya Ghosh & Kshitij Vashisth & Sungsoo Han & Rakesh Bhaskar, 2023. "Microplastics as an Emerging Threat to the Global Environment and Human Health," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-17, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:14:p:10821-:d:1190840
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/14/10821/pdf
    Download Restriction: no

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/14/10821/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Leonardo Alberghini & Alessandro Truant & Serena Santonicola & Giampaolo Colavita & Valerio Giaccone, 2022. "Microplastics in Fish and Fishery Products and Risks for Human Health: A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-17, December.
    2. Nikiema, Josiane & Asiedu, Zipporah, 2022. "A review of the cost and effectiveness of solutions to address plastic pollution," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 1-27.().
    3. Claudia Campanale & Carmine Massarelli & Ilaria Savino & Vito Locaputo & Vito Felice Uricchio, 2020. "A Detailed Review Study on Potential Effects of Microplastics and Additives of Concern on Human Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-26, February.
    4. Sergio Caputi & Francesca Diomede & Paola Lanuti & Guya Diletta Marconi & Piero Di Carlo & Bruna Sinjari & Oriana Trubiani, 2022. "Microplastics Affect the Inflammation Pathway in Human Gingival Fibroblasts: A Study in the Adriatic Sea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-15, June.
    5. Cheryl Qian Ying Yong & Suresh Valiyaveettil & Bor Luen Tang, 2020. "Toxicity of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Mammalian Systems," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-24, February.
    6. Pieter Jan Kole & Ansje J. Löhr & Frank G. A. J. Van Belleghem & Ad M. J. Ragas, 2017. "Wear and Tear of Tyres: A Stealthy Source of Microplastics in the Environment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-31, October.
    7. Sunusi Usman & Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis & Khozirah Shaari & Mohammad Noor Amal Azmai & Mohd Zamri Saad & Nurulfiza Mat Isa & Muhammad Farhan Nazarudin, 2022. "The Burden of Microplastics Pollution and Contending Policies and Regulations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-22, June.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Jomin Thomas & Renuka Subhash Patil & Mahesh Patil & Jacob John, 2023. "Addressing the Sustainability Conundrums and Challenges within the Polymer Value Chain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-19, November.
    2. Claus Jacob, 2024. "Infinite Affluence on a Finite Planet," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-14, September.
    3. Kannan Badri Narayanan & Rakesh Bhaskar, 2024. "Green Nanotechnology: Paving the Way for Environmental Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-4, July.
    4. Sara Righi & Elisa Bergami & Roberto Simonini & Daniela Prevedelli, 2024. "Level of Awareness and Attitudes towards Plastic Contamination by Students of an Italian University," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-15, May.
    5. Yunxin Peng & Adel A. Zadeh & Sheila M. Puffer, 2023. "Unearthing the Construction Industry’s Awareness of and Reactions to the Global Sand Crisis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-17, November.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Isabella Gambino & Francesco Bagordo & Tiziana Grassi & Alessandra Panico & Antonella De Donno, 2022. "Occurrence of Microplastics in Tap and Bottled Water: Current Knowledge," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-15, April.
    2. Sri Widyastuti & Angga Susmana Abidin & Hikmaturrohmi Hikmaturrohmi & Bq Tri Khairina Ilhami & Nanda Sofian Hadi Kurniawan & Ahmad Jupri & Dining Aidil Candri & Andri Frediansyah & Eka Sunarwidhi Pras, 2023. "Microplastic Contamination in Different Marine Species of Bintaro Fish Market, Indonesia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-14, June.
    3. Valentin Marian Antohi & Romeo Victor Ionescu & Monica Laura Zlati & Catalina Iticescu & Puiu Lucian Georgescu & Madalina Calmuc, 2023. "Regional Regression Correlation Model of Microplastic Water Pollution Control Using Circular Economy Tools," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-23, February.
    4. Andreas Brachner & Despina Fragouli & Iola F. Duarte & Patricia M. A. Farias & Sofia Dembski & Manosij Ghosh & Ivan Barisic & Daniela Zdzieblo & Jeroen Vanoirbeek & Philipp Schwabl & Winfried Neuhaus, 2020. "Assessment of Human Health Risks Posed by Nano-and Microplastics Is Currently Not Feasible," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-10, November.
    5. Stefania D'Angelo & Rosaria Meccariello, 2021. "Microplastics: A Threat for Male Fertility," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-11, March.
    6. Nawaz, Ahmad & Razzak, Shaikh Abdur, 2024. "Co-pyrolysis of biomass and different plastic waste to reduce hazardous waste and subsequent production of energy products: A review on advancement, synergies, and future prospects," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 224(C).
    7. Kai Li & Hauke Ward & Hai Xiang Lin & Arnold Tukker, 2024. "Economic viability requires higher recycling rates for imported plastic waste than expected," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
    8. Jon Tivey & Huw C. Davies & James G. Levine & Josias Zietsman & Suzanne Bartington & Sergio Ibarra-Espinosa & Karl Ropkins, 2023. "Meta-Analysis as Early Evidence on the Particulate Emissions Impact of EURO VI on Battery Electric Bus Fleet Transitions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-30, January.
    9. Carmen Rubio-Armendáriz & Samuel Alejandro-Vega & Soraya Paz-Montelongo & Ángel J. Gutiérrez-Fernández & Conrado J. Carrascosa-Iruzubieta & Arturo Hardisson-de la Torre, 2022. "Microplastics as Emerging Food Contaminants: A Challenge for Food Safety," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-14, January.
    10. Wei Wu & Jun Ma & Dong Liu & Qiao Xu & Gang Li, 2022. "Scientific Knowledge Mapping and Thematic Evolution for Tire Wear Particles," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-15, December.
    11. Diogo A. Ferreira-Filipe & Ana Paço & Armando C. Duarte & Teresa Rocha-Santos & Ana L. Patrício Silva, 2021. "Are Biobased Plastics Green Alternatives?—A Critical Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-16, July.
    12. Maryna Strokal & Paul Vriend & Mirjam P. Bak & Carolien Kroeze & Jikke Wijnen & Tim Emmerik, 2023. "River export of macro- and microplastics to seas by sources worldwide," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, December.
    13. Xin Li & Guanlai Zhu, 2023. "Green Supply Chain Coordination Considering Carbon Emissions and Product Green Level Dependent Demand," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-23, May.
    14. Ren-Shou Yu & Sher Singh, 2023. "Microplastic Pollution: Threats and Impacts on Global Marine Ecosystems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-21, September.
    15. Jung-Hwan Kwon & Jin-Woo Kim & Thanh Dat Pham & Abhrajyoti Tarafdar & Soonki Hong & Sa-Ho Chun & Sang-Hwa Lee & Da-Young Kang & Ju-Yang Kim & Su-Bin Kim & Jaehak Jung, 2020. "Microplastics in Food: A Review on Analytical Methods and Challenges," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-23, September.
    16. Eun-Hi Choi & Hyunjin Lee & Mi-Jung Kang & Inwoo Nam & Hui-Kyeong Moon & Ji-Won Sung & Jae-Yun Eu & Hae-Bin Lee, 2022. "Factors Affecting Zero-Waste Behaviours of College Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-11, August.
    17. Dániel Szőllősi & Péter Kiss, 2024. "Effects of Water Injection in Diesel Engine Emission Treatment System—A Review in the Light of EURO 7," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-29, October.
    18. Gonca Alak & Mine Köktürk & Muhammed Atamanalp & Esat Mahmut Kocaman & Arzu Ucar & Nurinisa Esenbuğa & Sinan Özcan & Veysel Parlak, 2023. "Microplastic Abundance in Rainbow Trout Life Cycle: Step by Step," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-12, September.
    19. Claudia Campanale & Daniela Losacco & Mariangela Triozzi & Carmine Massarelli & Vito Felice Uricchio, 2022. "An Overall Perspective for the Study of Emerging Contaminants in Karst Aquifers," Resources, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-21, November.
    20. Tess Sigwarth & Johannes Büchner & Michael P. Wistuba, 2022. "Bio-Degradable Wax to Modify Asphalt Binder for Warm Mix Asphalt," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-16, August.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:14:p:10821-:d:1190840. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.