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Toxicity of microplastics in humans: A search for sustainable alternatives

Prokriti Saha
Department of Forensic Science and Technology, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology

Riashree Mandal
School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University.

Punarbasu Chaudhuri
Department of Environmental Science, University of Calcutta

Subarna Bhattacharyya
School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/boesd.2022.e01.004

Keywords: Microplastics, Toxicity, Humans, bioplastics.

Abstract:

Plastics have become ubiquitous in our daily lives and are a major source of microplastic pollution. Microplastics are plastic particles with a diameter of less than 5mm. It can now be found in all ecosystems, including virgin environments like Antarctica. The main form of microplastics entering the food web is through ingestion and eventually accumulation in a different body part. In this context, the objective of this chapter is to study the toxic effect microplastics have on major systems of humans and to find out existing sustainable alternatives to eliminate microplastics from the environment. The current research focused that microplastics reaching the respiratory, circulatory and gastrointestinal systems through the air, water and food. The toxicity of plastics depends on the particle‟s size, shape, texture, surface chemistry and charge, which governs its interactions with biological systems. Therefore, scientists partially substituted petrochemical-based polymers with development of bioplastics which are biodegradable in nature and can fight increased environmental and economic challenges. These bioplastics are made from cellulose, potato, corn starch and sugarcane. Though these raw materials are also major food resources, massive production of bioplastics from them may increase the possibility of food crisis.

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A Basic Overview of Environment and Sustainable Development Vol. 1
A Basic Overview of Environment and Sustainable Development Vol. 1

How to Cite
Prokriti Saha, Riashree Mandal, Punarbasu Chaudhuri, Subarna Bhattacharyya (2022). Toxicity of microplastics in humans: A search for sustainable alternatives. © International Academic Publishing House (IAPH), Dr. N. R. Madhu & Dr. B. K. Behera (eds.), A Basic Overview of Environment and Sustainable Development, pp. 43-54. ISBN: 978-81- 957954-2-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/boesd.2022.e01.004

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