Fate and occurrence of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution in industrial wastewater

The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in water bodies is gaining global attention as it is causing severe pollution, harming the aquatic environment, and indirectly entering in the human body through biological chain amplification. Also, these MPs and NPs are the carrier of various heavy metals and organic contaminants and lead to form several complex pollutants in later stages which, once ingested, can cause several complications in aquatic organisms and human beings. The primary source of these pollutants includes the untreated disposal of conventional packaging materials such as household items, personal care products, surfactants, pesticides, and industrial products containing nanomaterials. As nanotechnology or usage of various nanomaterials is emerging in packing application, only recently, very little is known about its harmful impact in the environment, its physical and chemical factor, toxic effect on human health, and so on. Furthermore, the usage of plastics has increased to the point that it is believed that 60-80% of garbage is in that form, contaminating significant areas of land and water and entering the food chain. This chapter presents some of the most current scientific findings on these emerging pollutants, emphasizing their potentiality as well as the dangers they bring. Moreover, MPs and NPs will be discussed in terms of their environmental and health consequences for biota. Also, the regulations imposed by various countries on the synthesis and distribution of conventional plastic for packaging will be noted. The major sources of MP and NP, their types, health effect, its fate and behavior, pretreatment, analysis methods, and characterization and quantification will be discussed elaborately in this chapter. Further, alternatives of conventional plastic for packaging like biodegradable packaging materials derived from nature and its future in upcoming packaging technology will be summarized.