Abstract

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging global contaminants of profound concern for both environmental integrity and human health. Recent studies have examined their toxicity, transport pathways, and deposition in biological systems, revealing complex interactions and long-term accumulation in the human body. Lifetime exposure varies by age and sex, with adults consuming an estimated 50,000 particles annually compared to 8,000 for children, and higher gastrointestinal accumulation observed in adult females than males