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Abstract

Nanoplastics (NPs) enter aquatic environments through direct discharge, wastewater, and atmospheric deposition, posing significant risks to ecosystem health. This review article examines the environmental fate, physicochemical properties, and toxic effects of NPs. Scientific sources were identified through a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature, with a focus on studies investigating the behavior of NPs in aquatic and terrestrial systems and their interactions with natural organic matter. The findings indicate that NPs disrupt food chains in aquatic ecosystems and can enhance toxicity when combined with other pollutants. The formation of an eco-corona also alters the bioavailability and toxicity of NPs, thereby intensifying their harmful effects on aquatic organisms. These findings highlight the need for targeted management and regulatory measures, as well as for future research on computational toxicology and the combined effects of pollutants.

Keywords

Aquatic environment Bioaccumulation Eco-corona Fate Nanoplastics, toxicology

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Amin, N. (2026). The Dual Role of Environment and Particle Characteristics in Shaping Nanoplastics Toxicity and Fate. Journal of Natural Sciences – Kabul University, 8(Special Issue), 401–416. https://doi.org/10.62810/jns.v8iSpecial Issue.511
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