A review on the combined toxicological effects of microplastics and their attached pollutants
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: As an emerging environmental pollutant, microplastics (MPs) can adsorb various contaminants, including heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). This ability stems from their small size and high specific surface area. Once adsorbed, the adherents can act in combination with MPs to produce synergistic toxic effects when they enter organisms through MPs, exacerbating their toxicity when introduced into organisms. This review examines the toxicological effects of the combination of different MPs and environmental pollutants on terrestrial and marine invertebrates, vertebrates, and microorganisms. In conclusion, the combined toxicological effects of MPs and their attachment to organisms are complex and multilayered. Existing studies have identified certain underlying mechanisms, underscoring the need for societies and governments to account for the combined toxic effects of MPs and their associated pollutants.
Source: Emerging contaminants
Institutions: Guilin Medical University, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Shantou University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, City University of Hong Kong, State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,100
OpenAlex ID: W4407957445