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Microplastics and associated contaminants in the aquatic environment: A review on their ecotoxicological effects, trophic transfer, and potential impacts to human health.

Authors :
Huang W
Song B
Liang J
Niu Q
Zeng G
Shen M
Deng J
Luo Y
Wen X
Zhang Y
Source :
Journal of hazardous materials [J Hazard Mater] 2021 Mar 05; Vol. 405, pp. 124187. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Oct 15.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

The microplastic pollution and related ecological impacts in the aquatic environment have attracted global attention over the past decade. Microplastics can be ingested by aquatic organisms from different trophic levels either directly or indirectly, and transferred along aquatic food chains, causing different impacts on life activities of aquatic organisms. In addition, microplastics can adsorb various environmental chemical contaminants and release toxic plastic additives, thereby serving as a sink and source of these associated chemical contaminants and potentially changing their toxicity, bioavailability, and fate. However, knowledge regarding the potential risks of microplastics and associated chemical contaminants (e.g., hydrophobic organic contaminants, heavy metals, plastic additives) on diverse organisms, especially top predators, remains to be explored. Herein, this review describes the effects of microplastics on typical aquatic organisms from different trophic levels, and systematically summarizes the combined effects of microplastics and associated contaminants on aquatic biota. Furthermore, we highlight the research progress on trophic transfer of microplastics and associated contaminants along aquatic food chain. Finally, potential human health concerns about microplastics via the food chain and dietary exposure are discussed. This work is expected to provide a meaningful perspective for better understanding the potential impacts of microplastics and associated contaminants on aquatic ecology and human health.<br /> (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1873-3336
Volume :
405
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of hazardous materials
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
33153780
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124187