plastic dilemma: nanoplastics in aquatic life

Aim and background: modern plastics were first introduced in the early 20th century. a global improper management of plastic disposal is responsible for its release into the aquatic environment. nanoplastics are more easily absorbed, ingested, or inhaled and translocated to other tissues and organs than larger particles. nanoplastics can also be transferred through the food web and between generations, have an influence on cellular function and physiology, and increase infections and disease susceptibility. this review will address knowledge about ecotoxicity of nanoplastics in aquatic life and health.methods: data searching was carried out using keywords nanoplastics, aquatics, water pollution and physiological disorders in data-bases of elsevier, google scholar, mdpi, springer during 2019-2023.results and discussion: due to low manufacturing cost and versatile properties, plastics are used in the modern world in a wide range of applications. plastics account for up to 85% of the total marine wastes. nanoplastics are added to a wide range of commercial and industrial products. the small size of nanoplastics, like that of other nanoparticles, considerably increases their surface-area-to-volume or mass ratios allowing them to entry the cells and tissues. here, we intended to summarize the cellular and molecular effects of nanoplastics on aquatic species. nanoplastics as stressors can induce oxidative damaged and related physiological disorders in aquatic organisms leading to upraised mortalities and organ dysfunction.conclusion: plastic pollution is, without a doubt, a huge environmental concern affecting aquatic life and health.