Microplastics as vectors of pharmaceuticals in aquatic organisms – An overview of their environmental implications

Microplastics (MPs) have been recognized as an environmental threat due to their persistence, ubiquity, and toxicity potential. Due small size, MPs are endowed with a large specific surface area, having the ability sorb accumulate other contaminants that co-exist them in aquatic environment it is case of pharmaceuticals. In this way, can act vectors, facilitating contact pharmaceuticals organisms. Once ingested, may desorb pharmaceuticals, increasing bioavailability, which could promote bioaccumulation biomagnification through food web well modulate toxic effects. differently impact by potentiating (synergism) or decreasing (antagonism) it. This review aims at highlighting role vectors organisms how interaction these emerging influence on biota. Examples different scenarios resulting from exposure life presented. Future studies should cover broader range polymer types realistic concentrations better understand