The Unseen Threat of the Synergistic Effects of Microplastics and Heavy Metals in Aquatic Environments: A Critical Review

• Published in: Current pollution reports Vol. 10; no. 3; pp. 478 - 497
• Main Authors: Adeleye, Aderemi Timothy, Bahar, Md Mezbaul, Megharaj, Mallavarapu, Fang, Cheng, Rahman, Mohammad Mahmudur
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.09.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adsorption; Air pollution; Animal reproduction; Aquatic ecosystems; Aquatic environment; Aquatic life; Aquatic organisms; Aquatic Pollution; Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution; Beaches; Chemical bonds; Chemical contaminants; Circular economy; Climate change; Earth and Environmental Science; electrostatic interactions; Electrostatic properties; Environment; Environmental economics; Environmental impact; Environmental Law/Policy/Ecojustice; Environmental risk; Food chains; Food contamination & poisoning; Health risk assessment; Health risks; Heavy metals; human health; hydrogen; Hydrogen bonding; Hydrophobicity; Industrial Pollution Prevention; Inflammation; Ion exchange; Microplastics; Monitoring/Environmental Analysis; Organic contaminants; Outdoor air quality; Oxidative stress; Plastic debris; Plastic pollution; Pollution; remediation; social welfare; Surface chemistry; Synergistic effect; Topical Collection on Biology and Pollution; Toxins; Waste Water Technology; Water Management; Water Pollution Control; Synergistic effects; Microplastics; Mechanistic interactions; Adsorption; Heavy metals; Contamination
• ISSN: 2198-6592; 2198-6592
• DOI: 10.1007/s40726-024-00298-7

Purpose of Review The synergistic effects of microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals are becoming major threats to aquatic life and human well-being. Therefore, understanding synergistic interactions between MPs and heavy metals is crucial to comprehend their environmental impacts. Recent Findings The mechanisms such as electrostatic attraction, surface interactions, ion exchange, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic forces, and π–π interactions behind the synergistic effects of MPs and heavy metals were critically reviewed and justified. In addition, the roles of surface chemistry in these interactions were also emphasized. Finally, efficient remediation techniques aligning with a circular economy-based initiative to promote sustainable solutions were recommended to mitigate plastic-heavy metal pollution to achieve a cleaner environment. Summary This review examines the combined impact of MPs and heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems, detailing their mechanistic interactions, and consequences with proposed sustainable solutions. Additionally, this review highlights the MP-heavy metal contamination risks and emphasizes the need for further research to safeguard aquatic life and human health.