Remediation plan of nano/microplastic toxicity in food.

Abstract

Microplastic pollution is causing a stir globally due to its persistent and ubiquitous nature. The scientific collaboration is diligently working on improved, effective, sustainable, and cleaner measures to control the nano/microplastic load in the environment especially wrecking the aquatic habitat. This chapter discusses the challenges encountered in nano/microplastic control and improved technologies like density separation, continuous flow centrifugation, oil extraction protocol, electrostatic separation to extract and quantify the same. Although it is still in the early stages of research, biobased control measures, like meal worms and microbes to degrade microplastics in the environment have been proven effective. Besides the control measures, practical alternatives to microplastics can be developed like core-shell powder, mineral powder, and biobased food packaging systems like edible films and coatings developed using various nanotechnological tools. Lastly, the existing and ideal stage of global regulations is compared, and key research areas are pinpointed. This holistic coverage would enable manufacturers and consumers to reconsider their production and purchase decisions for sustainable development goals.