Microplastics in Animals: The Silent Invasion

Bhowmik, A; Saha, G; Saha, SC

Microplastics in Animals: The Silent Invasion

Bhowmik, A Saha, G

Saha, SC

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Publisher:: MDPI
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Pollutants, 4, (4), pp. 490-497

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Bhowmik, A
dc.contributor.author	Saha, G https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6467-298X
dc.contributor.author	Saha, SC
dc.date.accessioned	2025-02-03T21:58:32Z
dc.date.available	2025-02-03T21:58:32Z
dc.identifier.citation	Pollutants, 4, (4), pp. 490-497
dc.identifier.issn	2673-4672
dc.identifier.issn	2673-4672
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/184859
dc.description.abstract	<jats:p>Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, have become a pervasive environmental contaminant detected across a wide range of ecosystems. While the presence of microplastics in marine life and humans has been extensively documented, there remains a significant gap in understanding their full health impacts. Moreover, the effects of microplastics on animals, particularly those in close proximity to human activities, remain underexplored, representing a key area for future research. In this study, we found high levels of microplastic accumulation in animal tissues, particularly in the lungs, intestines, and reproductive organs. Our results also indicate that ingestion of microplastics occurs through multiple environmental sources, including contaminated food, water, and air, reflecting their widespread distribution. Evidence of microplastics crossing biological barriers and accumulating in critical organ systems suggests potential long-term health risks for animals that may also have implications for humans through environmental and food-chain exposure. Given the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the potential for these contaminants to enter the food chain, the presence of microplastics in animals raises serious concerns for broader ecological and human health. The findings underscore the urgent need for further research to clarify the long-term effects and to develop effective strategies for mitigating this emerging global threat.</jats:p>
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	MDPI
dc.relation.ispartof	Pollutants
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.3390/pollutants4040033
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.title	Microplastics in Animals: The Silent Invasion
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	4
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology/School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.rights.license	This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.date.updated	2025-02-03T21:58:31Z
pubs.issue	4
pubs.publication-status	Published online
pubs.volume	4
utslib.citation.issue	4

Abstract:

Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, have become a pervasive environmental contaminant detected across a wide range of ecosystems. While the presence of microplastics in marine life and humans has been extensively documented, there remains a significant gap in understanding their full health impacts. Moreover, the effects of microplastics on animals, particularly those in close proximity to human activities, remain underexplored, representing a key area for future research. In this study, we found high levels of microplastic accumulation in animal tissues, particularly in the lungs, intestines, and reproductive organs. Our results also indicate that ingestion of microplastics occurs through multiple environmental sources, including contaminated food, water, and air, reflecting their widespread distribution. Evidence of microplastics crossing biological barriers and accumulating in critical organ systems suggests potential long-term health risks for animals that may also have implications for humans through environmental and food-chain exposure. Given the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the potential for these contaminants to enter the food chain, the presence of microplastics in animals raises serious concerns for broader ecological and human health. The findings underscore the urgent need for further research to clarify the long-term effects and to develop effective strategies for mitigating this emerging global threat.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/184859