Investigating the Transport of Nano/Microplastics in Wetland Ecosystems and Their Rapid Detection Using Nanosensors

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Zeinab Salahshoor 1
Maliheh Madanian 2
Ehsan Shokri 3
1 Expert in Environmental Engineering, Health, Safety, Environment and Energy (HSEE) department, Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, Tehran, Iran.
2 Researcher, Department of Soil and Water Research, Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Training Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Isfahan, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor, Nanotechnology Research Department, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
10.22034/eiat.2025.248437
Abstract
Wetland ecosystems, as transitional zones between land and water, are particularly vulnerable to pollution from nano- and microplastics (N/MPs). These particles pose a significant ecotoxicological threat due to their ability to co-transport other pollutants and transfer through food webs. This study investigates the sources, fate, and detection of N/MPs in wetland environments. Anthropogenic activities, including wastewater discharge, agricultural runoff, and industrial production, are primary sources, alongside natural pathways such as atmospheric deposition and tidal action. The most prevalent N/MPs in wetlands are polyethylene and polypropylene, typically found as fibers and fragments. Advanced detection methods, particularly nano- and biosensors, offer the low limits of detection (LOD) required for effective environmental monitoring at the molecular level. The transport and ultimate fate of N/MPs are influenced by factors like photodegradation, ingestion by biota, microbial degradation, and sedimentation. These pollutants can adversely affect wetland plants, animals, and microorganisms. Furthermore, microplastics may indirectly contribute to global warming by altering sediment microbial community structure and the abundance of genes governing carbon and nitrogen cycles, processes linked to greenhouse gas emissions. In conclusion, N/MP accumulation in wetlands has far-reaching consequences for ecosystem integrity, public health, and climate dynamics. The development of novel detection techniques is therefore essential to inform effective management strategies for protecting these vital ecosystems.
Keywords
Nano/Microplastics
Wetland
Fate
Nano/biosensors
Global warming
Subjects
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