A REVIEW OF THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF MICROPLASTICS ON HUMAN HEALTH

Abstract

Background: Plastics are emerging sources of pollutants globally. The rise in global plastic output from 365.5 to 390.7 million tonnes between 2016 and 2021 depicts an unabating rise in the use of plastics worldwide. However, the resulting environmental pollution from microplastics (MPs) gotten from the degradation and weathering of large plastic wastes continues to negatively impact the health of humans that consumes fish, which serve as important sources of protein and vitamins. Bioaccumulated microplastics in fish gills and water bodies may lead to serious health issues, including cancer and developmental toxicity when consumed by humans.

Objectives: This study aims to review the literature to: examine the causes and fate of microplastics in aquatic habitats; determine how microplastics get to human body system; examine the effects possibly caused by MPs on fishes; aggregate the adverse effect of consuming contaminated fishes on human health; and identify the study gaps in microplastic pollution in aquatic habitats, especially in Nigeria.

Methods: The study adopts the narrative review approach and includes literature obtained through a search on PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Jstor.

Conclusion: Findings from the study have implications for the need to direct research attention to the aquatic sources of microplastic pollution to save fish and humans.