Sources and distributions of microplastics and the hazards to plants, animals and human health:A review.

The increases in plastic production and inadequate plastic waste management have significantly increased the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment. MPs refer to plastic fragments and particles with a size smaller than 5 millimeters. Numerous studies have focused on the impacts of MPs on the environment and living organisms, and explored the potential mechanisms. Humans and other organisms can ingest or carry MPs through various pathways, which have a range of adverse effects on metabolism, functionality, and health. Additionally, due to their larger surface area, MPs could adsorb various pollutants, including heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants, severely affecting the health of animals and humans. Based on research on MPs in recent years, we reviewed the sources and distribution of MPs, examined exposure pathways, toxic effects, and toxicological mechanisms on plants, animals, and human bodies, and provided a prospective outlook on future directions for MP research. This review would be a reference for further assessments of the health risks of MPs. 塑料产量的增加和塑料废物管理不善极大地增加了环境中微塑料(MPs)的数量。MPs指粒径小于5 mm的塑料碎片和颗粒。已有许多研究探讨了MPs对环境和生物的影响及其潜在机制。人类和其他生物可以通过多种途径摄入或携带MPs,这些MPs可能对新陈代谢、功能和健康产生一系列负面影响。此外,由于它们具有较大的表面积,MPs能够吸附各种污染物,包括重金属和持久性有机污染物,并严重影响动物和人类的健康。基于近年来对MPs进行的研究,本文综述了当前MPs来源与分布情况,并探讨了植物、动物和人体暴露途径、毒性作用与毒理机制,展望了未来MPs研究方向,为进一步评估MPs健康风险提供参考。.