Nanoplastics are plastic particles that are even smaller than microplastics. Nanoplastics, typically less than 100 nanometers in size, present additional complexities and dangers compared to larger microplastics. These tiny particles can arise from the breakdown of larger plastic items and the degradation of microplastics themselves. Despite their miniscule size, nanoplastics exhibit similar persistence and potential for environmental harm as microplastics, if not more so. Nanoplastics are found in various products, including cleaning products, fertilizers, diapers, disposable masks, fleece, and more.
One of the primary concerns with nanoplastics is their ability to penetrate biological barriers and interact with organisms at the cellular and molecular levels. Numerous organisms, including microscopic plankton, filter-feeding organisms, and even individual cells, can consume nanoplastics due to their small size. “Once ingested or inhaled, MNP [Micro and Nano Platics] particles of a bioavailable size could translocate to internal organs, dependent on their physicochemical properties, and cause harmful effects at the cellular level if above an effective internal dose.” (Ali et al., 2024)
Like microplastics, nanoplastics have been found to adsorb and concentrate toxic chemicals from the surrounding environment. This ability to serve as carriers for pollutants poses risks of bioaccumulation and biomagnification in aquatic and terrestrial food chains. (Miller et al., 2020) Additionally, nanoplastics may have unique chemical and physical properties compared to larger plastic particles, potentially increasing their toxicity and bioavailability.
“The summarized results suggest that exposure to MNPs [micro-nanoplastics] can lead to health effects through oxidative stress, inflammation, immune dysfunction, altered biochemical and energy metabolism, impaired cell proliferation, disrupted microbial metabolic pathways, abnormal organ development, and carcinogenicity.” (Ali et al., 2024) The ecological impacts of nanoplastics are still being unraveled, but emerging research suggests they can disrupt cellular processes, impair growth and development, and compromise immune function in organisms across various trophic levels.
Furthermore, nanoplastics can interact with and alter microbial communities in soils, sediments, and aquatic environments, potentially affecting nutrient cycling and ecosystem function. “One of the most common plant response[s] to abiotic stress factors is the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). On the one hand, these molecules are engaged in cellular signaling and [the] regulation of gene expression. On the other hand, ROS in excess lead[s] to oxidation and damage of various cellular compounds.” (Ekner-Grzyb et al., 2022)
Remediating nanoplastics presents even greater challenges than microplastics due to their smaller size and higher surface area-to-volume ratio. Conventional methods such as filtration and sedimentation may be ineffective at capturing nanoplastics, necessitating the development of novel approaches. Some researchers are exploring advanced nanomaterials and nanotechnology-based strategies for nanoplastic removal, but these approaches are still in the experimental stages and face uncertainties regarding their efficacy, scalability, and potential unintended consequences.
Regarding microbial remediation, the role of microorganisms in degrading nanoplastics is less understood than that of larger plastic particles. While certain bacteria and fungi have been shown to degrade microplastics, their ability to degrade nanoplastics remains an area of active research. Given the challenges associated with nanoplastic remediation, a holistic approach that addresses both the sources and impacts of nanoplastic pollution is essential for effectively mitigating this emerging environmental threat. Aside from microbes, there is promise with various types of worms that may be able to degrade certain types of plastics. (Yang et al., 2014) However, the approach with worms will not help those who have already ingested or inhaled these pollutants.
Something may be discovered in time. Until then, it is advisable to eliminate as much plastic from your life as possible and think before purchasing something to avoid exposure.
Resources
Adetunji, C. O., & Anani, O. A. (2021). Plastic-eating microorganisms: recent biotechnological techniques for recycling of plastic. Microbial Rejuvenation of Polluted Environment: Volume 1, 353-372.
Ali, N., Katsouli, J., Marczylo, E. L., Gant, T. W., Wright, S., & Bernardino de la Serna, J. (2024). The potential impacts of micro-and-nano plastics on various organ systems in humans. EBioMedicine, 99, 104901. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104901. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235239642300467X
Ekner-Grzyb, A., Duka, A., Grzyb, T., Lopes, I., & Chmielowska-Bąk, J. (2022). Plants oxidative response to nanoplastic. Frontiers in Plant Science, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.1027608.
Letstalkscience.ca. (2023). Plastic-Eating Bacteria: Nature's Recyclers. https://letstalkscience.ca/educational-resources/backgrounders/plastic-eating-bacteria-natures-recyclers
Miller, M. E., Hamann, M., & Kroon, F. J. (2020). Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of microplastics in marine organisms: A review and meta-analysis of current data. PLoS ONE, 15(10). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240792. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7567360/
Yang, J., Yang, Y., Wu, W. M., Zhao, J., & Jiang, L. (2014). Evidence of polyethylene biodegradation by bacterial strains from the guts of plastic-eating waxworms. Environmental science & technology, 48(23), 13776-13784.