DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjet.2026.v14i05.007

Pages: 255-272

Nanoplastics, originating from the degradation of larger plastics, represent a critical concern for aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Their extensive distribution is confirmed across diverse habitats, including oceans, the Arctic, and freshwater systems, with evidence of ingestion by various organisms, indicating potential bioaccumulation. However, accurately quantifying their prevalence poses challenges due to analytical limitations, resulting in an underestimation of their true levels and unclear geographic distribution patterns. The review advocates for the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in nanoplastic research. Techniques such as spectroscopy, microscopy, and high-throughput methods are poised to enhance the detection and detailed study of nanoplastics. It calls for a multidisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from polymer science, environmental chemistry, biology, and ecotoxicology, to fully comprehend the complexities of nanoplastic behavior and effects in aquatic environments. Emphasizing the necessity for advanced analytical tools, long-term studies, and exploration of interactions between nanoplastics and living organisms, the review suggests that a deeper understanding of environmental variables such as seasonal changes, climate effects, and microbial processes is essential to elucidate the long-term fate of nanoplastics. This comprehensive review lays the groundwork for current nanoplastic research, identifies major obstacles, and proposes directions for future work to fill knowledge gaps and guide effective environmental policy.