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Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) may amplify the environmental mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals (HMs).
- The individual toxic effects of microplastics and heavy metals are well-documented, but their combined effects remain poorly understood.
- Adsorption mechanisms influencing MP-HM interactions include electrostatic attraction, biofilm facilitation, and co-precipitation.
- Factors such as polymer crystallinity, environmental aging, biofilm formation, and water chemistry may govern the efficiency of adsorption.
- The interaction between MP-HM complexes could lead to oxidative stress, multi-organ damage, and endocrine disruption in aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
- There are notable bioaccumulation risks associated with MP-HM complexes that may propagate through food chains to humans.
- Identifying knowledge gaps related to long-term ecotoxicological outcomes and transgenerational effects is crucial for future research.
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