Microplastics and dialysis: a new challenge for green nephrology
Abstract
Green nephrology has emerged as a pivotal strategy to mitigate the environmental impacts of kidney care. Within this framework, reducing plastic waste and lowering the carbon footprint are closely interconnected, as both aim to minimize unnecessary resource consumption and the environmental burden associated with healthcare delivery. The rapid growth of plastic production and use has led to widespread environmental pollution and the generation of enormous quantities of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) through plastic degradation. Increasing evidence suggests that exposure to MNPs may pose potential risks to human health. However, important questions remain unanswered regarding chronic kidney disease (CKD), dialysis therapies, and exposure to MNPs. In particular, the magnitude of exposure, the potential for accumulation in patients with impaired renal function, and the possible clinical consequences remain largely unknown. In this opinion paper, we discuss the emerging challenges and potential opportunities at the intersection of microplastics, dialysis, and green nephrology.
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BibTeX
@article{oliveira2026microplastics,
title = {{Microplastics and dialysis: a new challenge for green nephrology}},
author = {Rodrigo Bueno de Oliveira and Eric Aragão Corrêa and Peter Stenvinkel},
journal = {Brazilian Journal of Nephrology},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.1590/2175-8239-jbn-2026-0094en},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1590/2175-8239-jbn-2026-0094en},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Microplastics and dialysis: a new challenge for green nephrology
AU - Rodrigo Bueno de Oliveira
AU - Eric Aragão Corrêa
AU - Peter Stenvinkel
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/03
JO - Brazilian Journal of Nephrology
DO - 10.1590/2175-8239-jbn-2026-0094en
UR - https://doi.org/10.1590/2175-8239-jbn-2026-0094en
AB - Green nephrology has emerged as a pivotal strategy to mitigate the environmental impacts of kidney care. Within this framework, reducing plastic waste and lowering the carbon footprint are closely interconnected, as both aim to minimize unnecessary resource consumption and the environmental burden associated with healthcare delivery. The rapid growth of plastic production and use has led to widespread environmental pollution and the generation of enormous quantities of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) through plastic degradation. Increasing evidence suggests that exposure to MNPs may pose potential risks to human health. However, important questions remain unanswered regarding chronic kidney disease (CKD), dialysis therapies, and exposure to MNPs. In particular, the magnitude of exposure, the potential for accumulation in patients with impaired renal function, and the possible clinical consequences remain largely unknown. In this opinion paper, we discuss the emerging challenges and potential opportunities at the intersection of microplastics, dialysis, and green nephrology.
SN - 2175-8239
SN - 0101-2800
ER -