New Publication in Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science Explores Micro‑ and Nanoplastics as Transport Vectors for Organic Contaminants in the Environment

08.07.2025

A new review led by EDGE in cooperation with researchers from the University of Novi Sad (Serbia) challenge the concern that tiny plastic particles are major carriers of organic pollutants in marine and agricultural environments. Despite their large surface area and chemical affinity, micro‑ and nanoplastics contribute little to contaminant uptake by marine life or to the downward transport of chemicals in soils—other pathways, like dissolved pollutants and soil water flow, dominate instead.

However, these plastics remain important sources of harmful additives and by‑products that can leach directly into ecosystems. As INC‑5 negotiators draft the global plastics treaty, the study urges clear language distinguishing plastics’ limited vector role from their significant chemical emissions—and calls for tighter controls on plastic composition and waste management.

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