Microplastics and nanoplastics across the food web: Challenges and mitigation strategies in securing human health

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs, particles < 5 mm) and even smaller nanoplastics (NPs, particles < 100 nm) are ubiquitous synthetic polymer fragments predominantly derived from mismanaged plastic waste and industrial discharge breakdown. Their widespread presence in marine and terrestrial environments has raised global concern over the infiltration of MP/NPs into food chains and potential adverse impacts on food quality and human health. Organisms across aquatic and terrestrial food chains readily ingest MP/NPs. In marine systems, they are consumed by small aquatic organisms and accumulate in fish and shellfish. In contrast, in terrestrial systems, they contaminate soil and can be taken up by crops. These pathways contribute to the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of plastics within edible tissues, ultimately leading to human dietary exposure through contaminated seafood, fruits, and vegetables. Once inside living organisms, MP/NPs can compromise food quality by reducing nutritional content and triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage. Human intake of these particles has been associated with gastrointestinal disturbances, immune system dysfunction, endocrine disruption, and potential cancer risks. The mitigation strategies to overcome plastic pollution are introducing the advanced filtration system, detection methods, innovative water bodies clean-up technologies, banning single-use plastic, and using biodegradable and plant-based alternatives. However, critical research gaps remain in understanding the long-term effects of low-dose chronic exposure and the interactions of MP/NPs particles with other environmental stressors. This review emphasizes the urgent need for multidisciplinary investigations to fully elucidate the fate and health consequences of MP/NPs in the food web and to inform effective mitigation strategies.