Interventions for animal hazards caused by micro/nano plastics exposure: a systematic review

Abstract

The increasing production of plastic products and inadequate waste management have resulted in the growing accumulation of plastic-derived waste in ecosystems. This has elevated the likelihood of humans and animals being exposed to microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). These plastics gradually accumulate in animals through bioaccumulation along the food chain and trophic transfer, causing varying degrees of damage to multiple organs. Recent research on the accumulation and organ toxicity of micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs) in animals has provided critical insights into their accumulation patterns and mechanisms of damage. These studies have highlighted the urgent need for effective interventions to mitigate the harmful effects of M/NPs exposure on organisms and to assess the feasibility of addressing these problems. This review systematically summarises current research on interventions aimed at alleviating organ damage induced by M/NPs exposure. Specifically, existing strategies for organ-specific interventions are categorised and discussed, the current understanding of these approaches is elucidated and the need for further research is emphasised. While intervention strategies and substances, such as natural product extracts, compounds, probiotics and pharmaceuticals, are diverse, they remain nascent. The development of universal intervention methods for M/NPs, the structure and mechanism of intervention, the relationship between intervention effects and M/NPs accumulation, intervention objectives, mutual feedback between organs and the lack of respiratory system intervention research remain crucial challenges and future research directions. This review aims to deepen our understanding of the current state of research and provide guidance for future studies to advance interventions for M/NPs-related organ injury.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Microplastics / Nanoplastics / Exposure / Organ damage / Intervention

Highlight

	● The exploration of intervention methods and substances is still in its early stages.
	● Probiotics help repair intestinal injury.
	● Natural products show good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
	● Lack of interventions for the respiratory system and female reproductive system.

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