Plastic in the Biosphere – Risks to Biota and Human Health in Russia

Abstract

Introduction: The constant growth of plastic production accompanied by its insufficient disposal has led to global environmental pollution and potential risks to biota and human health. Objective: To analyze scientific literature data on the risks posed by plastics for biota and public health in Russia. Materials and methods: We have studied scientific publications indexed in international (Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed) and domestic (Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI)) databases in 2012–2022 and searched for using the following keyword combinations: microplastics & biota, microplastics & human health. We reviewed 60 Russian and English-language literary sources giving preference to national studies published in journals included in the RSCI core collection and to foreign studies published in the journals indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus (Q1–Q2). Results: Many potential threats to biota and humans are associated with plastics. Macro-sized (> 5 mm) plastic debris pose the highest risk to mammals and other large fauna while microparticles are dangerous for small mammals as they cause eating, movement, and reproductive disorders. Toxic substances, primarily bisphenols and phthalates that migrate from plastic containers into food and liquids, pose the greatest risk to human health. Yet, in real life, concentrations of these toxicants in food products do not exceed hygienic standards, and health disorders in experimental animals have been observed following the exposure to higher than naturally found levels of plastic contaminants. Adverse effects of plastic micro- and nanoparticles (< 0.001 mm) on blood cells, immune and inflammatory processes, apoptosis, etc., have been established. Yet, no human diseases can be convincingly associated with plastic exposure nowadays. Conclusions: Many questions about the impact of toxic degradation products of plastic, its micro- and nanoparticles on biota and humans remain unresolved. It is therefore important to use potentially less toxic and biodegradable types of plastic, boost their recycling rates, raise public awareness on plastic pollution, and promote ubiquitous separate waste collection.