Impacts of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Biota

Microplastics and nanoplastics are found in almost all aquatic and terrestrial environments making their potentially pernicious effects a global problem. The difference in type, shape, and density cause these plastics to disperse in different compartments of the aquatic and terrestrial environment and influence their availability to organisms at different trophic levels and/or occupying different habitats. The current chapter describes the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on soil and plant characteristics. Furthermore, the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on invertebrates and vertebrates is also highlighted. Pelagic organisms such as phytoplankton and small crustaceans are more likely to encounter less dense, floating microplastics and nanoplastics while benthic organisms, including amphipods, polychaete worms, tubifex worms, mollusks, and echinoderms, are more likely to encounter microplastics (MPs) that are denser than water. Both benthic and pelagic fish may ingest MPs directly or indirectly. Birds and mammals feeding on aquatic organisms or living in aquatic environments are also known to ingest MPs. Additionally, the impact of various plastics on human health, including various sources, exposure pathways, and toxicity levels of various plastics, is also discussed in detail.