Microplastics are found in various areas in the Philippines—in the soil, marine ecosystems, and even the atmosphere. From Metro Manila’s main rivers to the country’s largest freshwater lake, and even its pristine coastal seas, these tiny fragments are everywhere.
Environmental Impact of Microplastics in the Philippines
The Philippines faces an escalating environmental threat from microplastic pollution. These tiny particles disrupt ecosystems, harm marine life, and infiltrate the food chain, posing risks to both wildlife and Filipinos. From contaminating coral reefs in the Coral Triangle to affecting the most consumed Philippine fish species (Tilapia), the impacts are widespread and alarming.
Microplastics have infiltrated the air, water, and food consumed by Filipinos, posing serious health risks. From seafood contamination to airborne particles in Metro Manila, these tiny plastics are linked to cardiovascular risks, placental issues, and immune system disruptions.
In 2015, the Philippines was identified as the third-largest contributor to plastic pollution worldwide, generating approximately 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste annually. Much of this plastic deteriorates into microplastics—tiny fragments nearly impossible to clean up.
This article delves into the presence of microplastics in the Philippines, focusing on where they are commonly found, their sources, and the problems they create.
Where Are Microplastics Commonly Found in the Philippines?
Due to their small size and lightweight nature, microplastics are incredibly pervasive. The wind can carry them, wash them into drainage systems, leach into the soil, or even enter the human body. Understanding their presence in specific regions of the Philippines can help us understand the scale of this issue.
Metro Manila
Metro Manila, the capital region of the Philippines, generates approximately 3 million metric tons of solid waste annually, the highest in the country. This waste significantly contributes to microplastic pollution, particularly in rivers.
A 2021 study investigated the presence of microplastics in five rivers that flow throughout Metro Manila into Manila Bay:
Cañas River (Cavite): Drains into southeastern Manila Bay and is surrounded by informal settlements.
Meycauayan River (Bulacan): Passes through areas with plastic manufacturing industries and is heavily polluted.
Parañaque River (Metro Manila): Flows into the western-central part of Manila Bay, near a seafood market and critical wetland habitat.
Pasig River (Metro Manila): Drains into the eastern Manila Bay, near the Manila port.
Tullahan River (Metro Manila) Empties into northern Manila Bay and is surrounded by residential areas and industrial zones.
The study revealed alarming findings, with 1,580 to 57,665 microplastic particles per cubic meter in surface water and 386 to 1,357 particles per kilogram in sediment. Microplastics primarily originated from degraded plastic products like packaging and packaging. Predominant materials included polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene, commonly used in food containers and fishing gear.
Adding to this, a 2023 study revealed that Metro Manila’s atmosphere is also contaminated with microplastics, varying concentrations across the region. The highest levels were found in Muntinlupa City and Mandaluyong City. Polyester fibers comprised 74% of the detected microplastics and were the most common type, mainly from clothing materials. This highlights that microplastic pollution in Metro Manila is not confined to its rivers and water bodies but also affects the air, posing additional challenges to urban environmental management.
Laguna de Bay
Laguna de Bay, the Philippines’ largest freshwater lake, is vital for agriculture, fishing, and local livelihoods. However, pollution from improper waste disposal and industrial activities has severely affected the lake.
A 2022 study identified around 14.29 microplastic particles per cubic meter in Laguna de Bay’s waters. These particles were predominantly polypropylene fibers, likely from disposable face masks extensively used during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings highlight the indirect effects of global events on local ecosystems.
Tañon Strait
Tañon Strait, situated between Cebu and Negros Islands, is the country’s largest marine protected area and serves as a migratory path for whales and dolphins. Despite its ecological importance, it is not exempt from microplastic pollution.
In 2020, Dr. Maria Kristina Paler conducted a study revealing approximately 1.5 microplastic particles per liter in the strait’s waters. Most of these were polyethylene fragments from single-use plastics and sachet packaging.
Masao River
The Masao River, located in Butuan City on Mindanao Island, is a crucial aquaculture hub. However, the city’s high plastic consumption and poor waste management contribute to its pollution.
A 2023 study by Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology found one microplastic particle per liter of water in the river. Most were ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), commonly used in paint, reflecting the impact of industrial activities on water systems.
Sources of Microplastics in the Philippines
In the Philippines, microplastics originate from both local and external factors.
One major issue is poor plastic waste management in cities. Limited waste disposal systems, insufficient recycling facilities, and low awareness of proper plastic disposal lead to plastics ending up in the environment. Over time, these plastics break into tiny fragments, contaminating water bodies, soil, and even the air.
The country’s geography also contributes to the problem. As an archipelago with extensive coastlines, the Philippines is especially vulnerable to plastic pollution from local sources and neighboring countries. Rivers and waterways act as pathways, carrying plastic waste from inland areas to the ocean. Additionally, its location near major shipping routes increases the likelihood of plastic waste from other regions reaching its shores.
Problems Created by Microplastics
Marine Ecosystems at Risk: The Philippines’ rich marine biodiversity is threatened as microplastics infiltrate oceans and water bodies. Marine life, such as fish and shellfish, ingest these particles, accumulating in the food chain. Read more: The Environmental Impact of Microplastics in the Philippines.
Human Health Concerns: Microplastics in seafood consumed by Filipinos may pose potential health risks. While the long-term effects are not fully understood, ongoing research indicates potential adverse impacts from ingesting these particles.
Pollution of Freshwater Sources: Microplastics contaminate rivers, lakes, and other freshwater bodies, affecting clean water supplies for human consumption and aquatic ecosystems.
Economic Consequences: Microplastics negatively affect the fishing and seafood industries by contaminating marine resources and reducing income for coastal communities. Additionally, polluted beaches can harm tourism, a significant contributor to the Philippine economy.
Moving Forward
The presence of microplastics in the Philippines poses a pressing environmental challenge. Addressing this issue requires improving waste management systems, increasing public awareness, and enforcing stricter environmental policies. Implementing solutions at the national and international levels can help mitigate the problem, protecting the environment and the livelihoods that depend on it.
Microplastics pose a greater problem than just harming the environment in the Philippines. These tiny plastic fragments, often invisible to the naked eye, are now found in the air, water, and food Filipinos consume daily. Understanding their effects on human health is essential to address this growing issue.
This article investigates how microplastics enter the bodies, their potential health effects, and measures to mitigate the risks in Filipinos.
How Do Microplastics Enter the Bodies of Filipinos?
Most microplastics in the Philippines end up in water bodies such as lakes, rivers, streams, canals, and oceans. Due to their small size and varied colors, many marine species are attracted to and mistakenly consume microplastics as food. This causes what we call the bioaccumulation of microplastics in marine organisms.
A 2020 study revealed that rabbitfish, a commonly consumed fish in the Philippines, had significant amounts of microplastics in their digestive systems. Further research in 2023 showed that 97% of milkfish sampled from fish farms in Butuan Bay had ingested microplastics. Milkfish is one of the most heavily consumed fish in the Philippines, and these findings highlight how seafood becomes a direct route for microplastics to enter the human body.
Seafood consumption is a major source of protein for Filipinos, accounting for roughly 50% of their dietary protein intake. This heavy reliance on seafood increases the risk of ingesting microplastics through food.
Aside from seafood, microplastics have also been detected in the air. A 2023 study on Metro Manila’s atmosphere identified microplastics in 16 cities, with Muntinlupa and Mandaluyong recording the highest levels. These microplastics, primarily made of polyester from clothing fabrics, pose a serious concern. Researchers estimate that the average adult walking the streets of Metro Manila may unknowingly inhale between 5 to 8 microplastics per minute.
Types of atmospheric microplastics found in Metro Manila Source: Romarate et. al.
How do Microplastics Affect the Health of Filipinos?
Exposure to microplastics through food and air raises serious concerns about their impact on human health. While researchers recommend further studies to fully understand how microplastics affect the health of Filipinos, existing international research on similar cases can offer valuable insights to connect the dots.
Once inside the body, microplastics can travel through the bloodstream and accumulate in various organs. A 2024 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine linked the presence of microplastics in blood vessels to a 4.5 times higher likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, or mortality. Although microplastics are not a direct cause of these conditions, they significantly increase the risk. This is particularly concerning given that cardiovascular diseases rank among the top causes of death in the Philippines.
Microplastics have also been detected in human placentas. A 2021 study suggested that their presence could disrupt normal cell processes in the placenta, potentially leading to preeclampsia or impaired fetal growth. Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal deaths in the Philippines, contributing to 30% of such fatalities.
Additionally, microplastics are associated with various other health risks, including cytotoxicity (cell damage), hypersensitivity reactions, immune system disruptions, and hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells). These effects solidify the urgency of addressing microplastic exposure in the Philippines.
What Measures Are Needed to Help Filipinos Stay Safe?
A comprehensive approach is necessary to mitigate the health risks associated with microplastics. Here are some critical measures:
Promote Safer Seafood Practices: Raising awareness about microplastic contamination in seafood is essential. Educating the public to source seafood from reputable suppliers and advocating for clean fish farming practices can minimize the risks. Consumers should also be informed about the types of seafood more likely to contain microplastics, enabling them to make better food choices.
Improve Air Quality: Urban areas with high air pollution levels, like Metro Manila, must address airborne microplastic contamination. Encouraging the use of masks in polluted environments can reduce exposure. On a broader scale, measures such as promoting green spaces and reducing vehicle emissions are vital for improving air quality and respiratory health.
Strengthen Environmental Policies: Government action is critical in tackling plastic pollution. Introducing bans on single-use plastics, implementing extended producer responsibility schemes, and enforcing stricter waste management practices can help curb microplastic contamination. Public education campaigns about reducing plastic waste and adopting sustainable alternatives should also be a priority.
Invest in Research and Collaboration: Collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and industries is essential to understanding and addressing the health effects of microplastics. Interdisciplinary research can provide valuable insights, while partnerships can drive innovative solutions to reduce microplastic exposure.
A Healthier Future for the Philippines
Protecting Filipino health from microplastics requires clear and collective action. To reduce exposure, safer seafood practices, cleaner air, stronger environmental policies, and better waste management are essential.
Collaboration among government, industries, and communities, along with investments in research and innovation, will drive progress. By addressing the root causes and raising awareness, the Philippines can protect people’s health and ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future.
A whale replica was unveiled on the morning of May 11 on the beach of Naic, Cavite. Through the art installation depicting a dead whale choked by plastics, Greenpeace Philippines seeks to underscore the massive problem of plastics pollution in the ocean and calls on the ASEAN to address this looming problem on its shores.
The Philippines is known for its rich biodiversity, supported by its tropical climate and vast water resources. With over 7,000 islands connected by rivers, lakes, and seas, the archipelago’s waterways are vital in sustaining its ecosystems.
However, these ecosystems face significant threats from various forms of pollution, including industrial discharge, deforestation, and improper waste disposal. Among these, microplastic pollution—a less visible but highly pervasive problem—has been consistently overlooked.
This article explores the environmental impact of microplastics in the Philippines and the actions needed to address this growing issue.
Microplastics and Their Impact on the Philippine Environment
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles measuring five millimeters or less, can penetrate nearly every part of the environment. They affect soil, water, and air, disrupting ecosystems and threatening biodiversity.
Impact on Ecosystems
Microplastics disrupt soil nutrient cycles and microbial communities, potentially harming plant growth. This can threaten endemic plant species vital to the Philippines’ unique ecosystems.
Rainwater and waterways carry microplastics into rivers, lakes, and seas, contaminating aquatic ecosystems. These particles cling to coral reefs, seaweeds, and algae, disrupting the feeding habits of filter feeders like clams and mussels. Microplastics also absorb and transport harmful chemicals, potentially causing toxic algal blooms that damage marine life.
According to a 2018 study, coral reefs exposed to plastics are 89% more likely to develop diseases due to pathogen contamination. As part of the Coral Triangle, the Philippines is home to some of the world’s most biodiverse reefs, making them especially vulnerable to this threat. This shows how microplastics can severely harm the country’s ecosystems.
In addition to contaminating water and soil, microplastics also pollute the air. Polyester fibers from textiles and clothing are particularly problematic, as they can remain suspended in the air, contributing to air pollution.
Impact on Wildlife
Microplastics severely affect the Philippines’ diverse wildlife, mainly aquatic species. Marine organisms often mistake these tiny particles for food. Ingestion can lead to blockages, malnutrition, and even death in species like fish, shellfish, and seabirds.
A recent study in Tañon Strait, a marine protected area in the Visayas Islands, found significant amounts of microplastics in the digestive systems of rabbitfish, a common food source for Filipinos. Microplastics are also often ingested by filter-feeding shellfish. A 2022 study reveals that exposure to microplastics can affect rabbitfish’s energy reserves, reducing shell and flesh growth and lowering their reproductive potential.
As microplastics move through the food chain, they pose risks to larger predators, including humans. Research is ongoing to fully understand the health implications of consuming seafood contaminated with microplastics.
Addressing microplastic pollution requires collaborative efforts at both individual and governmental levels.
What Individuals Can Do
Filipinos can take proactive steps to help reduce plastic waste and its harmful effects on the environment:
Adopting reusable alternatives: Switching to reusable options like cloth bags, water bottles, and biodegradable containers can dramatically reduce the reliance on single-use plastics. These alternatives are not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective in the long run. For instance, using reusable bags for shopping minimizes the demand for plastic bags, which often end up in waterways and landfills, contributing to microplastic pollution.
Disposing of waste responsibly: Proper segregation and disposal of plastics ensure they do not infiltrate the environment. By depositing waste in designated bins and actively participating in local recycling programs, individuals can help divert plastics from ecosystems and ensure they are processed or repurposed appropriately. When multiplied across communities, this small act can reduce the volume of plastics that degrade into microplastics.
Joining cleanup drives: Participating in or organizing cleanup campaigns for beaches, rivers, and other areas helps remove plastics that could eventually break down into microplastics. These efforts restore the beauty of natural areas and protect aquatic ecosystems from further harm. Community-driven cleanups also foster collaboration and environmental stewardship, inspiring others to take action.
Raising awareness: Sharing knowledge about the dangers of microplastics can influence eco-conscious behavior among friends, family, and local communities. This could include educational discussions, social media posts, or even workshops highlighting the impacts of plastic pollution and how simple lifestyle changes can make a difference. Collective awareness builds a strong foundation for lasting environmental change.
What the Government Can Do
Government-led initiatives are critical in addressing the microplastic crisis and ensuring long-term solutions:
Banning single-use plastics: Implementing bans on plastic bags, straws, and utensils can drastically reduce the volume of plastics entering the environment. Encouraging eco-friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable packaging or reusable materials, promotes sustainable practices while reducing waste. Several municipalities in the Philippines have already introduced localized bans, serving as a model for broader implementation.
Educating the public: Government awareness campaigns can help citizens become aware of the risks of microplastic pollution. These campaigns can inspire widespread behavioral change by highlighting the dangers of microplastics and promoting sustainable habits through school programs, social media, and community outreach. For example, teaching the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling can instill a sense of responsibility across generations.
Supporting and funding research: Government investment in research is crucial to understanding the extent of microplastic pollution and its long-term effects on ecosystems and human health. Studies on microplastic contamination in Tañon Strait and Metro Manila’s rivers provide valuable data that inform policy decisions. By funding such research, the government can develop evidence-based strategies to mitigate the problem and track progress over time.
Improving waste management: Investing in efficient systems is essential to prevent plastics from contaminating the environment. This includes setting up more recycling facilities, improving garbage collection systems, and ensuring proper segregation at the source.
A notable example is the “Integrated Waste Analysis, Survey, and Technological Options” (IWASTO) project, funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) from 2020 to 2022. This project evaluated waste management practices in Metro Manila, focusing on minimizing macro- and microplastics in water bodies. The project provided actionable recommendations for improving waste disposal and recycling systems.
A Collective Effort for Change
Microplastics are a hidden yet pervasive form of pollution that significantly threatens the Philippines’ environment, wildlife, and people. By combining individual actions with solid government policies, it’s possible to mitigate their impact and protect the country’s diverse ecosystems. Collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful change, ensuring that the Philippines’ natural beauty and resources are preserved for future generations.
This is a literature review – the authors reviewed available research on bioaccumulation and biomagnification in marine organisms and summarized their findings.
Main Findings:
Bioaccumulation of microplastics (MPs) within each trophic level is confirmed.
Evidence for the biomagnification of MPs across marine food webs is not supported by current field observations.
Summary
Definitions
Bioaccumulation: The net uptake of contaminants (like microplastics and chemical additives) from the environment through all possible pathways (e.g., ingestion, contact, respiration). It occurs when an organism absorbs a substance at a rate faster than it can be excreted.
Biomagnification: The increase in concentration of a contaminant in the tissues of organisms at higher levels in a food chain.
Bioaccumulation
The paper discusses bioaccumulation focusing on microplastics and chemical additives within marine organisms, highlighting:
The mechanisms of bioaccumulation, including direct ingestion and exposure through the environment.
The impact of microplastics as vectors for chemical pollutants, emphasizing concerns about their ability to carry harmful substances into organisms.
The complexity of studying bioaccumulation due to varying factors like organism size, habitat, and exposure levels.
It advocates for more nuanced research methods to accurately assess the risks and effects of microplastics and associated chemicals on marine life.
Biomagnification
Regarding biomagnification, the paper indicates:
Current evidence does not support the hypothesis of biomagnification of microplastics (MPs) across marine food webs, based on field observations.
Laboratory experiments suggesting trophic transfer of MPs have often used conditions that are not reflective of natural environments.
The paper calls for more realistic environmental simulations in future research to better understand the dynamics of MP transfer across trophic levels.
Additives Associated with Plastics
The paper details on additives associated with plastics and their accumulation, highlighting:
Bioaccumulation of chemical additives, such as phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), associated with microplastics has been documented in fewer species compared to the bioaccumulation of the microplastics themselves.
These chemical additives are detected in higher concentrations when exposed to the chemical alone rather than in conjunction with microplastics, suggesting that the presence of microplastics might not always enhance the bioavailability of these chemicals.
The study underlines the complexity of assessing the environmental impact of these chemical additives, given their varied behaviors and interactions with microplastics in marine ecosystems.
It emphasizes the need for further research that considers realistic environmental conditions to better understand the dynamics of chemical additive accumulation and their potential effects on marine life.
Published In: The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Published On: Feb 13, 2020
Key Takeaways:
This is a review, which draws from the available research to summarize what is known about how microplastics and chemical additives effect human health.
The study covers plastic “additives of concern” which are classified as hazardous by the EU and are present in everyday products. It focuses on endocrine disruptors and covers the most prominent of them:
BPA
Phthalates
Heavy Metals
Flame Retardants
Micro and nano-plastics – the study summarizes research that shows how these particles get into our body and the effects they can have once there. Our primary exposure is through ingestion via the food we eat, which is often contaminated with micro and nano-plastics. Once in our body these particles and associated chemicals can have a variety of negative health implications.
Summary
Effects of Micro and Nanoplastics on Human Health
Entry Points and Exposure:
Mainly through ingestion of contaminated food.
Found in sugar, salt, alcohol, bottled water, and plants (fruits and vegetables).
Marine species consumption is a well-known source.
Absorption and Impact:
Small particles (<150 µm) can cross the gastrointestinal epithelium, leading to systemic exposure.
Absorption rates are low; 0.3% expected to be absorbed, and an even smaller fraction can reach organs and pass through blood-brain barriers.
Concerns about low exposure concentrations due to analytical challenges in detecting micro and nanoplastics.
Mechanisms of Entry:
Particles <2.5 µm enter the gastrointestinal tract through endocytosis or paracellular persorption.
Nanoplastics’ absorption through the skin is more probable than microplastics.
Toxicity and Health Effects:
Microplastics have high affinity for hydrophobic and persistent organic pollutants, antibiotics, and heavy metals, potentially introducing these into the human body.
Studies show cytotoxic effects on human cell lines, including T98G (brain cells) and HeLa (epithelial cells).
Effects include cytotoxicity, hypersensitivity, unwanted immune responses, and acute responses like hemolysis.
Additives of Concern
Overview:
Focuses on hazardous substances in plastics affecting human health.
Highlights Bisphenol A (BPA), Phthalates, Heavy Metals, and Flame Retardants.
Each additive has unique toxic effects, including endocrine disruption and cancer risk.
BPA:
Used in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.
Leaches from products, contaminating food and water.
Estrogenic effects; linked to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancers.
Regulatory actions have been taken due to its harmful properties.
Phthalates:
Serve as plasticizers to increase flexibility in plastics.
Endocrine disruptors affecting reproduction and development.
Regulatory bans on certain phthalates in toys and childcare products.
Found in high volumes in the environment, raising significant health concerns.
Heavy Metals:
Include metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury used in plastics.
Cause various health issues, including cancer, bone, and nervous system damage.
Classified by regulatory agencies as carcinogens and toxicants.
Environmental contamination from these metals poses significant risks.
Flame-Retardants:
Chemicals added to plastics to prevent fires.
Include brominated and chlorinated compounds.
Linked to endocrine disruption and potential carcinogenicity.
Concerns over environmental persistence and bioaccumulation.
Using advanced imaging techniques, the study analyzed tissue and blood samples from 15 cardiac surgery patients.
Microplastics were not universally present in all samples.
Nine types of microplastics were identified across five tissue types and in pre- and postoperative blood samples.
The study indicates that microplastics can exist in enclosed human organs, suggesting potential health impacts.
Study Summary
The study aimed to investigate the presence of microplastics in human heart tissues and blood. Using advanced imaging techniques, the study analyzed tissue and blood samples from 15 cardiac surgery patients. Key findings include:
Microplastics were not universally present in all samples.
Nine types of microplastics were identified across five tissue types and in pre- and postoperative blood samples.
The largest microplastic particle measured 469 μm in diameter.
Types and sizes of microplastics in blood changed after surgery.
The study indicates that microplastics can exist in enclosed human organs, suggesting potential health impacts.
This research highlights the widespread presence and potential health implications of microplastics in the human body, especially in sensitive internal organs.
Key Takeawaysfor Relation of Nanoparticle Size to Cellular Update
The paper summarizes: “Several studies have indicated that for cellular uptake of NPs, there is an optimum size of 50 nm at which NPs are internalized more efficiently and has a higher uptake rate. NP uptake was shown to decrease for smaller particles (about 15–30 nm) or larger particles (about 70–240 nm)”
The context in this paper is in understanding optimal nanoparticle size for uptake in biomedical applications.
It’s clear that cells can uptake nanoparticles from 15 nm to 240 nm. It’s possible that particles outside these sizes can still enter cells.
Review Summary
This paper is a review on research to date on the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of nanoparticles. In regards to plastic particles it can help us understand what size of particles may be able to pass through cell membranes, into cells, and between cells.
Here is a summary of the main points from this paper:
Cellular uptake pathways of nanoparticles: Nanoparticles can enter cells via various endocytotic pathways such as clathrin-mediated endocytosis, caveolae-mediated endocytosis, macropinocytosis, etc. The uptake pathway is determined by factors like nanoparticle size, shape, surface charge, hydrophobicity, etc.
Intracellular trafficking of nanoparticles: Once internalized, nanoparticles are transported within membrane-bound vesicles (endosomes) which fuse with lysosomes where the particles can be degraded. However, some nanoparticles escape this pathway and are released into the cytoplasm.
Effect of nanoparticle properties on uptake: Size is a key factor, with an optimal size of around 50 nm for efficient uptake. Shape also affects uptake, with spherical nanoparticles showing higher internalization. Positively charged nanoparticles have higher uptake due to interaction with the negatively charged cell membrane. Surface hydrophobicity also increases nanoparticle-cell membrane interactions and uptake.
Applications in nanomedicine: Understanding the cellular interactions and intracellular fate of nanoparticles is crucial for designing safe and effective nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, imaging agents, etc. Modulating nanoparticle characteristics can help target specific cell types and intracellular compartments.
This table provides a basic understanding of the potential health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics, focusing on inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and metabolic homeostasis, and how these are influenced by the characteristics and sizes of the plastic particles.
The table shows that research studies have documented the toxic effects plastic particles can have on animal cells and human cells. The known short-term impacts include inflammation, cell damage, and metabolic disruption in cells. Many of these studies have been conducted in vitro (cell cultures outside of the body) or in mice.
Inflammation
Characteristics of Plastic Particles: Various types of polystyrene and polyethylene particles, including those unaltered, carboxylated, amino-modified, and from prosthetic implants, can cause inflammation.
Particle Sizes: Range from 1,000 nm to 0.2 µm.
Key Points:
Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or infection, often causing redness, heat, swelling, and pain.
These plastic particles can increase inflammatory markers like IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, and others, leading to inflammation in different parts of the body including lungs, liver, and around prosthetic implants.
Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis
Characteristics of Plastic Particles: Various modified and unmodified polystyrene particles can induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in different human cells.
Particle Sizes: Range from 140 nm to 20 nm.
Key Points:
Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, damaging cells.
Apoptosis is a process where cells program themselves to die. These plastic particles can trigger this process in cells, affecting their survival and health.
Metabolic Homeostasis
Characteristics of Plastic Particles: Different polystyrene and polyethylene particles can disrupt metabolic homeostasis.
Particle Sizes: Range from 200 nm to 0.5 µm.
Key Points:
Metabolic homeostasis refers to the balance of chemical reactions in the body. Disruption can lead to metabolic disorders.
The particles can cause changes in metabolism, affecting gut microbiota, ion channel function, cellular energy levels, and nutrient transport, which might lead to metabolic disorders.
This paper is a review and explanation of available research studies and literature.
Key Takeaways:
Sources and Fate of Microplastics and Nanoplastics: The majority of plastics we are exposed to are land-derived and break down into micro- and nanoplastics, which are difficult to filter out from water systems.
Occurrence in Food Chain: Micro- and nanoplastics are prevalent in various food products and water sources, posing a risk of human consumption.
Uptake and Bioaccumulation in Human Body: The human body can intake these plastics through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure, leading to potential bioaccumulation.
Cellular Uptake and Intracellular Fate: Once inside the body, these plastics interact with cells through various mechanisms, affecting cellular functions.
Potential Toxic Effects on Human Health: Studies suggest possible health risks, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of metabolic homeostasis.
Summary of Review
This study references 160 papers and also includes some diagrams that help explain how plastics can enter the bloodstream, enter cells, and disrupt processes. It’s worthwhile to look at the original study which is available online here.
Here is a little more detail on the key takeaways:
Sources and Fate of Microplastics and Nanoplastics: These plastics primarily originate from land-based activities and degrade into smaller forms. They persist in the environment due to their resistance to natural degradation processes.
Occurrence in Food Chain: They are found in a range of food products and water sources. Due to their small size, they can evade filtration systems and enter the human food chain.
Uptake and Bioaccumulation in Human Body: Humans can absorb these particles through eating, breathing, and skin contact. They may accumulate in the body over time, potentially causing health issues.
Cellular Uptake and Intracellular Fate: Once inside the body, they interact with cells in various ways. This interaction can affect cell functions and potentially lead to cellular damage or dysfunction.
Potential Toxic Effects on Human Health: The study indicates potential health risks such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disturbances, though more research is needed to fully understand these effects.
