nanoplastic

Nanoplastics are plastic particles less than 100 nanometers in size. They are significantly smaller than microplastics, which range from 1 micrometer to 5 millimeters. Nanoplastics can originate from the breakdown of larger plastic items through physical, chemical, or biological processes. They can also be intentionally manufactured for specific applications. Their extremely small size allows them to enter environments and organisms more readily than larger plastic fragments.

The detection and quantification of nanoplastics in the environment and biological samples are challenging due to their minute scale. Studies have found nanoplastics in various environmental compartments, including oceans, freshwater systems, soil, and even air. Their presence has also been detected in food, water, and the human body.

Research into the potential impacts of nanoplastics on ecosystems and human health is ongoing. Due to their size, concerns exist that nanoplastics may interact with cells and tissues differently than larger plastic particles. Potential effects being investigated include inflammation, oxidative stress, and interference with biological processes. However, definitive conclusions about their long-term effects are still being established as scientific understanding evolves.