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From Environmental Pollution to Human Disease: Microplastics exposure, Molecular Toxicity, Environmental Remediation, and Future Perspectives

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Biochemistry Department of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria
  • 2Biotechnology Research Centre of Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja, Nigeria
  • 3Chemistry Research Centre of Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja, Nigeria
  • 4Chemistry Research Centre of Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja, Nigeria
  • 5Biotechnology Research Centre of Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja, Nigeria
  • 6biological Science Department of Federal University Duste, Jigawa State, Nigeria
  • 7Biochemistry Department of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria and Biotechnology Research Centre of Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja, Nigeria

Int. Res. J. Biological Sci., Volume 15, Issue (3), Pages 32-39, August,10 (2026)

Abstract

Microplastics have occurred as persistent ecological contaminants with significant ecological and potential human health implications. The review build on the recent evidence on the sources, environmental distribution, and exposure pathways of human, toxicological mechanisms, remediation strategies, and governance challenges associated with microplastics. Originating from either deliberately made particles or the fragmentation of bigger plastic remains, microplastics are extensively distributed in water, terrestrial, atmospheric environs and can also be detected in food, water, and tissues of human, like lungs, blood, , and the placenta. Exposure of Human occurs primarily through inhalation, dermal and ingestion contact. Following internalization, microplastics may stimulate inflammation, oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, genotoxicity, and mitochondrial dysfunction, while also acting as carriers of heavy metals, tenacious organic pollutants, antibiotic resistance genes, and pathogenic microorganisms through the “Trojan horse effect.” Although increasing evidence suggests potential multi-organ toxicity, important exposure thresholds remain uncertainties, long-term health effects, and the biological behavior of nanoplastics. Furthermore, the absence of standardized analytical methods and harmonized monitoring protocols continues to limit reliable risk assessment. Current remediation approaches, including physical, chemical, biological, and circular economy strategies, provide partial solutions but remain insufficient for comprehensive environmental management. Advancing multidisciplinary One Health research, standardized analytical techniques, and coordinated international policies will be essential to moderate microplastic safeguard and pollution environmental and human health.

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