Small Plastic, Big Problem: The Looming Threat of Nanoplastics

Since 1950, global plastic production has increased by 200 times, resulting in widespread environmental consequences. However, some of the more harmful effects of increased plastic production occur on a microscopic level. The increased presence of nanoplastics and micro-nanoplastics is concerning for human and environmental health, and the United States should address this issue through comprehensive plastic management strategies and investment in new scientific developments. 

Nanoplastics are minuscule plastic particles that are about one five-hundred-thousandth the size of microplastics, have a large surface area, and are very reactive. These attributes make them small enough to penetrate human cells while being invisible to the human eye and difficult to study. When exposed to sunlight and heat, nanoplastics can break down into smaller particles known as micro-nanoplastics. 

Most nanoplastics originate from human-made products and practices. As trash breaks down in landfills, it decomposes into smaller nanoplastics. When cars brake on the roads, they smear microplastics from the tires onto the surface beneath them. As clothes are washed, they release nanoplastics from their fabrics into the water, which then infiltrate larger water sources. Alarmingly, nanoplastics spread easily through different systems and into the human body because of their small size. Scientists have found nanoplastics in bottled water, tap water, drinking water, oceans, fabrics, cosmetics, and even medical products. They’ve even infiltrated our food chains—as animals unknowingly consume them, they accumulate and move up through the food chain and into our meals. Nanoplastics’ presence all around us means it is hard for anyone to avoid them– as such, we’re constantly exposed to their threats 

Ithaca isn’t immune to nanoplastics’ effects. Recent projects, such as the new synthetic turf approved for Cornell, are said to release nanoplastics into local drinking water sources, since the particles would be too small for standard microplastic filters.  Although small, these particles can cause serious health effects in humans and wildlife alike. Because of their size, they can easily enter the body and absorb outside pollutants, amplifying their threat. In a variety of organisms, including humans, they accumulate in vital organs and can cause oxidative stress, metabolic disruption, and neurotoxicity. Oxidative stress and metabolic disruption can contribute to various brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Studies have also shown that nanoplastics can disrupt brain function, in part through neurotoxicity, impairing dopamine processing and social development.

These effects aren’t limited to humans—nanoplastics biologically threaten other animals and plants alike. In animals, nanoplastics create similar biological effects as in humans and accumulate when eaten. In plants, nanoplastics hinder growth, obstruct photosynthesis, and delay seed germination. Combined, the environmental impacts of nanoplastic pollution can seriously threaten our food system and may contribute to long-term food insecurity issues. 

Luckily, scientific developments can mitigate the presence and effects of these particles. Just last year, scientists at the University of Missouri developed a new liquid-based solution that absorbs nanoplastics from water and eliminates upwards of 98% of these particles. Recently developed microrobots (microscopic robots) have proved their ability to detect and trap nanoplastics. Lastly, new and more intensive filtration systems also show promise for removing nanoplastics from drinking water. These inventions are important, but require more attention to be truly viable. 

Since nanoplastics are a relatively new discovery, there is still much to learn about their prevalence in our ecosystems and the threat they can pose to human health. However, one thing is certain—as human plastic pollution increases, as it has been, the presence of nanoplastics will also increase and continue to pose a threat to humans. To address this increasing danger, governments should promote the development of nanoplastic removal methods, increase research into nanoplastics as a whole, and decrease our dependency on plastic. 

There are multiple approaches to take to reduce plastic production, or at least the creation of nanoplastics from plastic waste. On a smaller scale, cities should invest in local recycling programs as an effective method for reducing the amount of plastic waste in landfills and thus reducing the production of nanoplastics. In conjunction with this, state governments should subsidize the development of alternatives to plastic water bottles, since bottles are a notable source of nanoplastic digestion and plastic waste.

The threat of nanoplastics will intensify if current production and consumption trends continue, posing serious problems for our health and our ecosystem.  The best time to take action against them is now.