Systematic review shows that microplastics and PFAS exhibit variable toxic responses in different systems, indicating need for nuanced risk assessment.
Key Points
This research aims to evaluate the combined toxicological effects of microplastics (MPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various environmental contexts.
Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 47 studies involving aquatic organisms, soil invertebrates, and mammals.
Utilized standardized mean differences (Hedges’ g) with random-effects REML framework, meta-regression, and subgroup analysis to compare effects.
Analyzed impacts on oxidative balance, hepatic function, immune regulation, and reproductive performance.
PFAS showed the strongest toxic effects (g = 4.71; 95% CI: 2.32–7.09) across all studied systems.
MPs induced lower and more variable biological stress (g = 2.19; 95% CI: −0.29–4.66).
Co-exposure often resulted in antagonistic effects (g = −2.98; 95% CI: −8.89–2.93), indicating reduced toxicity at higher concentrations.