Toxicity of micro/nanoplastics in the environment: Roles of plastisphere and eco-corona

Abstract

Micro/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) are a growing threat to environmental health as these particles are dispersed to remote locations. However, the migration process of NPs differs from MPs due to their differences in sizes and physicochemical properties, thereby inducing different environmental behaviours and fates. While MPs provide surfaces to host microorganisms to form a plastisphere, NPs are smaller than microorganisms, which are often encapsulated by protein or organic matter to form unique eco-corona. Both plastisphere and eco-corona alter the physiochemical property of MPs/NPs, thereby changing their environmental toxicity. To fully understand the toxicity of MPs/NPs after forming plastisphere or eco-corona, this review aims to evaluate the roles and toxicities of MPs/NPs in the environment. Specifically, this review discusses the formation of plastisphere on MPs and eco-corona on NPs, summarizes the biochemical mechanisms of toxicity of MPs/NPs, and assesses their potential health threats to humans. Finally, perspectives are provided to better manage plastic pollution to protect the environment and human health.