Nanoplastic occurrence, transformation and toxicity: a review

Nanoplastics are emerging contaminants of concern for living organisms and ecosystems, yet nanoplastics are difficult to extract and analyse. Once released into the environment, the fate and behavior of nanoplastics are controlled by physical, chemical, and biological factors. Here, we review nanoplastics weathering, aggregation, biofouling, and bioavailability. Nanoplastics adsorb and transport metals and organic contaminants. Ingestion of nanoplastics by aquatic organims such as microbes, algae, invertebrates, and fish, induces toxicological effects on organism growth, behavior, and reproduction.