Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are defined as plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size. These microscopic molecules have escalated exponentially in the scale of environmental concern due to their unsafe presence in ecosystems and the potential adverse impacts they may cause on human health and biodiversity. In fact, there is an estimate of 5.25 trillion plastic particles weighing over 250,000 tons floating on the surface of oceans worldwide (Eriksen et al., 2014).

A significant source of microplastics originates from their intentional addition into numerous products used by consumers, such as facial scrubs and glitter, which were found to contain up to 360,000 beads per tube. Microplastics are also prevalent in toothpaste (Chengappa, 2023). Moreover, they are being used extensively in the textile industry which relies heavily on synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, constituting approximately 60% of global clothing (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017). These numbers demonstrate that there are millions of tons of microplastics that are being released into the environment from various sources on a daily basis.

Understanding the toxicokinetics of microplastics is essential for understanding their potential impact on human health. Microplastics can be absorbed through various routes, including ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, leading to systemic exposure. Once absorbed, microplastics may undergo metabolic transformations and distribute throughout different tissues and organs, where they can persist for extended periods due to their resistance to degradation (Chen et al., 2016).

Microplastics have been implicated in a range of adverse health effects on humans, including neurotoxicity, reproductive and development problems, and chronic diseases. Microplastics can accumulate in neural tissues, ultimately resulting in cognitive malfunctions and neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, microplastic exposure has been associated with disruptions in hormone regulation and adverse effects on fertility and fetal development (Liu et al., 2019). They can also lead to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancer. These health effects urge for the expansion of research on the topic.

Despite the widely known toxicity and environmental hazards associated with microplastics, they continue to be used due to their unique characteristics and cheap cost. Plastics are durable, lightweight and moldable, making them essential in the production of consumer goods (Andrady, 2011). The convenience and economic benefits that come with the use of plastic explain why they are still extensively used to this day. This calls for the urgent need for innovative strategies to replace microplastics in consumer products.

Addressing the issue of microplastic pollution necessitates the exploration of solutions and alternatives to minimize their use. Finding alternatives to microplastics in consumer goods is a plausible approach. Research has found promising alternatives, one of which are Chito beads. They are derived from chitosan, a biopolymer found in the shells of crustaceans (Ma et al., 2018) Furthermore, big makeup companies like L'Oreal are starting to rely on natural ingredients in their manufacture, reducing the use of synthetic microplastics (L'Oreal, 2022). This paper will explore the miscellaneous issue of microplastics by expanding on each of the points addressed in the introduction; that is addressing its sources, toxicological pathways, effects on human health and proposing solutions.

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