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Microplastic Pollution: Causes, Effects and Control
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Editors: Rahul Singh, Neeta Raj Sharma

Microplastic Pollution: Causes, Effects and Control

eBook: US $49 Special Offer (PDF + Printed Copy): US $78
Printed Copy: US $54
Library License: US $196
ISBN: 978-981-5165-11-1 (Print)
ISBN: 978-981-5165-10-4 (Online)
Year of Publication: 2023
DOI: 10.2174/97898151651041230101
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Introduction

Microplastic Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Control sheds light on the causes, effects, and control of microplastic pollution, providing valuable insights into the tools and techniques for analysis, the impact on ecosystems, and the potential risks to human well-being. The editors focus on the urgency of addressing this global environmental challenge through collaborative efforts and sustainable solutions. This reference features 10 edited chapters covering multiple aspects of microplastic pollution. The book introduces the reader to various tools and techniques used to analyze microplastic pollution in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. It then examines the sources, pathways, and levels of microplastic contamination in the environment and explains how to evaluate the potential health risks for the nearby communities. The impact of microplastic on flora and fauna is presented in one chapter. To emphasize the importance of assessing microplastic contamination, the editors present a case study conducted in Thoothukudi, South India, to explore the implications of microplastic pollution on human health. The book also provides information on solutions to microplastic pollution including the use of bioplastics and removal techniques.

Microplastic Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Control equips readers with a complete understanding of the global challenge of microplastics, fostering awareness and encouraging further research and action to protect our ecosystems and human health from their detrimental impact. It is an ideal handbook for environmental science researchers and students who need to understand microplastic pollution and plan environmental impact assessments for academic research and professional projects.

Key features:

  • - Comprehensive coverage of microplastic pollution with 10 structured chapters
  • - Informs readers about important parameters to understand and measure the impact of microplastics on local fauna, flora and the surrounding environment
  • - Covers evaluation and remediation of microplastics in both terrestrial and marine environments
  • - Includes references for advanced readers
  • - Includes a case study on the effect of microplastics in Thoothukudi, South India


eBook: US $49 Special Offer: US $78 Printed Copy: US $54 Library License: US $196

Foreword

Since the time plastics became an inseparable part of our daily life, we have produced unbeatable 8.4 billion tons of plastics. Rivers are contaminated with more than 2.4 million tons of synthetic polymers including microplastics. The term ‘‘Microplastic’’ was first coined in 2004 by Richard Thompson, a marine biologist. Plastic particles within the size range of 5mm – 1 µm are considered microplastics, whereas particles less than 1 µm have been termed as nano-plastics. Polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate and polyamides comprise the majority of polymer types. These plastic particles can act as carriers of other toxic environmental contaminants such as, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), plasticizers, pesticides, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). We are not talking about their presence in just rivers and oceans; these plastic particles are present in much of the air that we breath, the water that we drink, and the food that we eat. In a recent report, the U.S. Geological Survey titled bluntly, “It is raining plastic”, researchers describe how they found plastics in 90 percent of the rainwater samples. In this special issue on, ‘Microplastic Pollution, Causes, Effects and Control, Professor Neeta Raj Sharma, and associates’, describe the source of microparticles (MP), analytical techniques for the determination of MPs, and the impact of MPs on flora, fauna, aquatic and soil environments, with an example of their possible ill effects on human health. The publication of this comprehensive monograph is timely and will be well received by the scientific community.

Gundu H. R. Rao
Institute of Engineering Medicine, and Lillehei Heart Institute
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
USA