Nanoplastics in 21st Century

Abstract

Nanoplastics (NPs) are chemically inert and present significant ecological and health concerns due to their potential ecotoxicity for environmental persistence and their ability to function as vectors for chemical pollutants as well as pathogens. The high surface area increases their potentially enhanced reactivity and it has been shown that the surface area impacts the biotoxicity of polystyrene nanoparticles. Long-term accumulation of NPs in liver tissue and chronic inflammation could contribute to liver disease and metabolic problems while accumulation of NPs in lung tissue could potentially lead to chronic pulmonary disorders and presence of NPs in brain tissues is detected.  The major threat of nanoplastics is that it acts as a vector in transfer of pesticides and pathogens which can also be designed for the bio-weapon sort for harming the living organisms in the globe.