Micro and nanoplastics ravaging our agroecosystem: A review of occurrence, fate, ecological impacts, detection, remediation, and prospects.

Micro-and nanoplastics (MNPs) are particles that are smaller than a millimeter in size and have infiltrated both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. MNPs pollution have become a widespread problem causing severe adverse effects on human health and the environment worldwide. Once in the environment, these polymers are not easily degradable due to their recalcitrant nature and small size and are easily consumed by aquatic organisms and transported through the food chain, at great risk to human health. Substantial evidence demonstrates the negative effects of MNPs residues on aquatic organisms' reproductive and developmental defects. Similarly, soil flora, soil quality, and plant height have been severely impacted by their presence in the agroecosystem. This is evident in the inhibition of water absorption by blocked seed pores, delayed germination, and the dramatic decline in transpiration rates and growth of plant roots, inevitably leading to drop in biomass and crop production, posing an overall threat to global food security. In this review, we present the impact of MNPs in agroecosystems around the globe, including their sources, occurrence, distribution, transport, and ultimate fate. We recommend using bio-based plastics, eco-friendly remediation strategies, reformed agricultural practices, non-single-use synthetic plastic legislation, and increased plastic waste disposal awareness campaigns as effective tools to mitigate this problem.

Panacea for the nanoplastic surge in Africa: A state-of-the-art review.

Africa is a large continent ranked amongst the top consumer of plastic materials. However, the improper handling of plastic wastes has resulted in massive pollution of different aspects of the environment (water, soil, sediments, air, food, etc.) within and around the region. The fragmentation and biodegradation of the bulk plastic material into small-sized particles has given rise to microplastic and nanoplastics. Owing to their small sizes, ease of transport, and large surface area, they tend to wreak serious havoc in the environment. Nevertheless, the growing awareness of the pollution problems caused by micro/nanoplastic debris is instrumental towards circumventing its widespread across the ecosystem. This review provides a state-of-the-art information on the prevailing nanoplastic surge across the borders of Africa, the ineffective management policies of plastic wastes, potential environmental hazards, and possible remediation strategies. Additionally, prospective insights into new areas for advanced research were highlighted.

Antibiotic resistance in the aquatic environment: Analytical techniques and interactive impact of emerging contaminants.

Antibiotic pollution is becoming an increasingly severe threat globally. Antibiotics have emerged as a new class of environmental pollutants due to their expanding usage and indiscriminate application in animal husbandry as growth boosters. Contamination of aquatic ecosystems by antibiotics can have a variety of negative impacts on the microbial flora of these water bodies, as well as lead to the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant genes. Various strategies for removing antibiotics from aqueous systems and environments have been developed. Many of these approaches, however, are constrained by their high operating costs and the generation of secondary pollutants. This review aims to summarize research on the distribution and effects of antibiotics in aquatic environments, their interaction with other emerging contaminants, and their remediation strategy. The ecological risks associated with antibiotics in aquatic ecosystems and the need for more effective monitoring and detection system are also highlighted.