Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) pervade the environment, infiltrating food sources and human bodies, raising concerns about their impact on human health. This review is focused on three key questions: (i) What type of polymers are humans most exposed to? (ii) What are the prevalent shapes of MPs found in food and human samples? (iii) Are the data influenced by the detection limit on the size of particles? Through a systematic literature analysis, we have explored data on polymer types and shapes found in food and human samples. The data provide evidence that polyester is the most commonly detected polymer in humans, followed by polyamide, polyurethane, polypropylene, and polyacrylate. Fibres emerge as the predominant shape across all categories, suggesting potential environmental contamination from the textile industry. Studies in humans and drinking water reported data on small particles, in contrast to larger size MPs detected in environmental research, in particular seafood. Discrepancies in size detection methodologies across different reports were identified, which could impact some of the discussed trends. This study highlights the need for more comprehensive research on the interactions between MPs and biological systems and the effects of MPs on toxicity, together with standardised analytical methodologies to accurately assess contamination levels and human exposure. Understanding these dynamics is essential for formulating effective strategies to mitigate the environmental and health implications of MP pollution.
摘要:
微塑料(MPs)遍布环境,渗入食物来源和人体,引起人们对其对人类健康影响的担忧。这篇综述集中在三个关键问题上:(i)人类最接触哪种类型的聚合物?(ii)在食品和人类样品中发现的MPs的普遍形状是什么?(iii)数据是否受到颗粒大小检测限的影响?通过系统的文献分析,我们已经探索了在食物和人体样本中发现的聚合物类型和形状的数据。数据提供了聚酯是人类中最常见的聚合物的证据,其次是聚酰胺,聚氨酯,聚丙烯,和聚丙烯酸酯。纤维在所有类别中都是主要的形状,表明纺织业潜在的环境污染。对人类和饮用水的研究报告了小颗粒的数据,与环境研究中检测到的更大尺寸的MP相反,特别是海鲜。确定了不同报告中尺寸检测方法的差异,这可能会影响一些讨论的趋势。本研究强调需要对MPs与生物系统之间的相互作用以及MPs对毒性的影响进行更全面的研究。与标准化分析方法一起准确评估污染水平和人体暴露。了解这些动态对于制定有效的策略以减轻MP污染对环境和健康的影响至关重要。