ABSTRACT
International surveys and scientific research have confirmed the presence of microplastics in the environment. The buildup of nanoplastics resulting from further deterioration and fragmentation of plastic items in the environment has been identified as a potentially significant concern. Micro and nanoplastics can have direct toxicological impacts on the environment as well as vector influences through the absorption of additional pollutants. Additives and monomers of plastics may potentially leak out of the polymer matrix, causing harm to organisms. Although there is currently insufficient information on the toxicological implications of polymeric particles, their small size raises concerns about the detrimental impacts and disruption of these polymeric particles inside animals; problems frequently debated regarding engineered nanomaterials. Similarly, when it comes to the toxicology of nanomaterials, the movement of co-pollutants and the escape of soluble chemicals are hotly contested topics. Nanoplastics may differ from microplastics in terms of transport characteristics, interactions with natural colloids and light, the proportion of particle molecules on the surface, bioavailability, and diffusion periods for plastic additive release. Furthermore, they differ from manufactured nanomaterials regarding particle heterogeneity and the ability for fast additional disintegration in the setting. These features influence the fate of the environment, including the possible consequences on sampling, human health, and biota. Incidentally generated micro and nanoplastics display a range of compositions, morphologies, and heterogeneity that is often lacking in manufactured nanomaterials. The chapter will concentrate on the relationship of micro and nanoplastics with nanomaterials and the environmental toxicological impacts of these polymeric particles.
