Category Archives: Microplastics & Environmental Health

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have emerged as widespread environmental contaminants with growing implications for human health. Growing evidence indicates that the gastrointestinal tract is not only the primary site of exposure but also a central regulator of systemic toxicity through interactions among the intestinal barrier, immune system, and gut microbiota. Consequently, research has shifted from describing tissue accumulation to elucidating how intestinal dysfunction drives multi-organ…

Microplastics (MPs), recognized as contaminants of emerging concern, have become global in drinking water systems, posing increasing risks to food safety, public health, and environmental sustainability. As drinking water represents a major route of human exposure, understanding the occurrence, detection, and mitigation of MPs is essential. This review comprehensively evaluates the predominant polymeric types of MPs detected in drinking water, including polyethylene (PE), polyethylene…

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerulonephritis worldwide, characterized by a 4-hit pathogenesis primarily driven by mucosal immune dysregulation in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). However, the specific environmental triggers initiating this cascade remain elusive. We propose a novel hypothesis that chronic exposure to ubiquitous micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) serves as a primary environmental catalyst for IgAN. Through a proposed 5-step cascade, we outline how ingested…

Despite increasing reports of micro- and nanoplastic contamination in bottled water, uncertainties remain regarding standardized detection methods, chronic human health effects, and globally harmonized regulatory frameworks. This review critically synthesizes current evidence on the occurrence, analytical detection, environmental impacts, human health risks, regulatory developments, and mitigation strategies associated with micro- and nanoplastics contamination in bottled water. Microplastics…

Arsenite (As(III)) classified as Group 1 carcinogen, frequently cooccurs with polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) in environmental matrices. As emerging pollutants of global concern, PS-NPs can serve as carriers for As(III) and amplify human exposure risks through biomagnification in the food chain. While PS-NPs are known to enhance the toxicity of environmental pollutants toward functional proteins, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Particularly, the combined toxic effects of As(III) and…

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have become ubiquitous contaminants in food production systems, raising increasing concerns regarding their potential effects on gastrointestinal and systemic health. This review summarizes current evidence on the occurrence, sources, and biological effects of MPs/NPs within food production chains and their implications for the human gut. Experimental in vitro studies demonstrate that MPs/NPs can induce oxidative stress, inflammation, genotoxicity,…

The role of the environment in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is acknowledged as being critical, yet enquiry into the exposome and IBD is limited. Recognizing the exposome as encompassing all physical, chemical, biological and psychosocial factors that influence human health over the lifespan is central to unravelling its role in IBD, as well as overlapping immune-mediated diseases. Here, we summarize the latest in exposome research in IBD, differentiate between early life and later exposures,…

Plastics are an integral part of modern society; however, their environmental persistence has led to widespread contamination, posing significant ecological and human health risks. Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) raise concerns because of their small size and ability to penetrate biological systems, leading to concerns about bioaccumulation and toxicity. This review examines the sources, classification, and fate of MPs in the environment, their entry routes into the human body, organ…

Background/Objectives: Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have emerged as ubiquitous environmental contaminants resulting from the extensive production, use, and degradation of plastic materials. Human exposure occurs primarily through contaminated food and drinking water, with inhalation representing an additional important route. Growing concern has focused on the ability of these particles, particularly NPs, to cross biological barriers, enter the systemic circulation, and reach human…

Nanoplastics and microplastics have become an increasing ecological and health concern due to their widespread presence in the environment and food chain. In this study, Caco-2 cells were used as an in vitro model of the human intestinal epithelium to investigate the cytotoxic effects of polystyrene nanoparticles and microparticles of varying sizes, concentrations, and surface modification. Oxidative stress and apoptosis were evaluated following particle exposure. Raman spectroscopy, combined…