Occurrence, analysis, and toxicity of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics: a review

Abstract

Global microplastic contamination of almost all biological and environmental media is an emerging threat to human health that recently fostered intense research. Here, we review polyethylene terephthalate with focus on microplastics, characteristics, uses, concentration, degradation, toxicity, and remediation. Plastic remediation can be done by landfills, incineration, pyrolysis, and biodegradation. We present microplastic occurrence in food, beverages, dust, wildlife, and human tissues. We observed inconsistencies in measurement techniques, limitations in detection reliability, and gaps in risk assessment.