Journal of East China Normal University(Natural Science) ›› 2024, Vol. 2024 ›› Issue (6): 1-13.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2024.06.001

• Research Methods, Techniques, and Progress • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Progress and critical issues in research on micro- and nanoplastics in human body

Tiefeng CUI(), Daoji LI()   

  1. State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
  • Received:2024-08-06 Accepted:2024-09-29 Online:2024-11-25 Published:2024-11-29
  • Contact: Daoji LI E-mail:2413829127@qq.com;daojili@sklec.ecnu.edu.cn

Abstract:

Micro- and nanoplastics (M-NPs) are ubiquitous in the natural environment and have become a topic of concern. However, due to the lack of key data on human exposure to M-NPs, our understanding of the potential health risks posed by the entry of M-NPs into the human body is still limited. Current research indicates that M-NPs are commonly found in various parts of the human body. However, the experimental analysis techniques for M-NPs in the human body have not yet been standardized, with the main differences lying in sample pretreatment and detection methods. This increases the difficulty of conducting systematic research on the distribution, transfer, accumulation, and excretion of M-NPs in the human body. In addition, the study of nanoplastics (< 1 μm) still faces insurmountable technical obstacles. The experimental research results of M-NPs standard samples, although instructive, do not fully reflect the exposure risks of M-NPs in the real environment, and thus, do not have universal scientific significance. This review aims to provide direction for the standardization of experimental analysis and risk assessment for M-NPs in the human body.

Key words: micro- and nanoplastics, human exposure, experimental analysis methods, health risks, standardization of risk assessment

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