nanoplásticos

Nanoplastics are plastic particles less than 100 nanometers in size. They are a subset of microplastics, which are plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size. Nanoplastics are formed through the degradation of larger plastic items, as well as through direct release from products containing nanoplastics, such as cosmetics and paints. Their extremely small size allows them to potentially interact with biological systems in unique ways.

The ubiquitous presence of plastics in the environment means that nanoplastics are now found in various ecosystems, including oceans, freshwater bodies, and soils. They have also been detected in the atmosphere. Due to their minute scale, they are difficult to detect and quantify. Research is ongoing to understand the full extent of their distribution and persistence.

The potential environmental and health impacts of nanoplastics are a significant area of scientific investigation. Their small size raises concerns about their ability to cross biological membranes and accumulate in tissues and organs. Studies are exploring how nanoplastics might affect aquatic and terrestrial organisms, as well as potential implications for human health through exposure pathways such as ingestion and inhalation. Understanding the behavior, fate, and effects of nanoplastics is crucial for addressing plastic pollution.